Formed in Guildford and initially existing between 1978 and 1981, The Vapors secured their place in rock history with the 1980 single ‘Turning Japanese’ and two well-received albums. After a lengthy hiatus the band made a welcome return in 2016 and since then it has been full steam ahead, a burst of activity that has culminated in their latest album Wasp In A Jar (reviewed here), a record which proves the band have lost none of their songwriting chutzpah. We hook-up with guitarist and lead vocalist David Fenton to get the lowdown

For those unfamiliar with The Vapors, can you give us a brief history. How would describe the band’s sound?

The Vapors were formed in Guildford in 1978  and were spotted by The Jam’s Bruce Foxton playing in a bar in early 1979. We have been described variously as punk, power pop, mod and rock.

As you mentioned, The Vapors came to prominence with the help of Jam bassist Bruce Foxton and a tour with the band on their Setting Sons jaunt. What are your memories of that time? And then the 40th anniversary tour with From The Jam? How do you view the time that passed in between?

There as a lot of pranking on that tour! One gig we came offstage to find everything in our dressing room stuck to the ceiling. We responded with some carefully placed talcum powder on Rick’s drum heads. The 40th anniversary tour was a bit more sedate!

With the sad passing of Rick Buckler, do you have any fond memories you’d like to share?

We had separate buses but always seemed to hit the services at the same time. Early on the tour we got ambushed by Rick and the others who were armed with some high-powered water pistols. This started an ongoing water pistol war which continued throughout the whole tour.

Another early highpoint for the band was the ‘Turning Japanese’ single. What were the pros and cons of having a smash hit early in your career?

Pros – exposure, better gigs, the chance to travel, better relations with the record company.

Cons – having to follow it up.

After a lengthy hiatus the band reformed. Were you surprised at how well the live dates and album (2020’s Together) were received?

Yes, we had no idea whether or not anyone would be interested!

Without seemingly missing a beat new album Wasp In A Jar has the same kind of buzz as your debut (1980’s New Clear Days). How do you conjure the same kind of energy 45 years later?

We feel rejuvenated after our 45 year break.

Musically and lyrically, how do you honour the past while moving your sound forwards?

We’re not aware of changing anything to move the sound forward but we’re pleased that you think we are!

What are your hopes and aspirations for the new album?

We hope that people get to hear the album and enjoy listening to it.

The band still contains the core of Dave Fenton and Steve Smith. What’s your secret to good band chemistry?

Mutual respect.

2025 is shaping up as a busy year. First a run of five headlining shows culminating with a show at the legendary Hope & Anchor a venue (I believe) you’ve never played before. How do you feel about getting back on the road and playing iconic venues?

It’s always nice to play venues as iconic as those!

Then you’ll be playing some larger venues with Big Country. Do you approach shows in smaller and bigger halls differently?

Not really, the only difference between shows is the length and composition of the set.

Then you have a run of dates in the States. It all adds up to a full schedule. What’s your survival plan?

Plenty of rest, eating properly and having a good time.

Finally, what are your plans beyond the live dates? How far do you plan ahead? Could we even expect another album?

We plan around a year ahead so we are already planning what we are doing in 2026… Nothing is ruled out.

Connect with The Vapors: Official Website | Instagram | YouTube Channel