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Damian Robinson takes a trip down memory lane with some of 80s punk’s best pop songs with Transvision Vamp’s Wendy James
Image by Damian Robinson
Not too far shy of her sixth decade, tonight is strong proof that one of the original enfant terrible’s, Wendy James, is not intent at going gently into the good night. Stout, confident, and still full of charisma, the singer spends tonight weaving us in and out of her back catalogue. Given the level of crowd engagement, respectfully, it’s clear that most people are here for her golden years period of 1986-1992 but there’s still enough to get your teeth into outside of her time in Transvision Vamp to keep you entertained and to demonstrate a consistent level of songwriting.
You Better Tell That Girl, a 1988 Vamp track is an early standout, though Farewell To Love – one of a collection of solid tracks written with Elvis Costello – works well given how it repositions the default image of James into a soulful artist, filled as much with regret and sadness as spite and venom. Slightly quiet between songs, James plays with a strong musical support tonight, including original Vamp bassist Dave Parsons (perhaps a nod to an upcoming 2026 Vamp reunion) and Bad Seed drummer James Sclavunos who both provide solid grooves and structure to support James’ vocals. It’s guitarist Alex Ward however who steals the musical spotlight on the set’s two main moments, I Want Your Love and Baby I Don’t Care, delivering that classic 80s punk/pop guitar wail and helping pad out the live performance with fine supporting vocals. There was clearly an original spirit inside of James that helped the world find her some years ago and based on tonight’s show it’s clearly still there. She says she doesn’t care – but I think she does.
