Fans of The Vapors US
Donation protected
Here goes:
Who remembers that brilliant UK 80s New Wave band The Vapors?
They had a worldwide hit in 1980 with "Turning Japanese" that was on the Billboard Top 40 here in the USA and was taken from the now classic and still relevant album (more so now than ever) "New Clear Days". They were managed by Paul Weller's Father, John Weller, and The Jam Bass Player, Bruce Foxton, and toured with The Jam in 79 on the "Setting Sons" Tour.
They hit the big time in 1980 when Turning Japanese reached Number 3 in the UK charts, Number 1 in Australia and our very own Billboard Top 40.
They released two albums- the aforementioned New Clear Days which was packed full of great tunes such as "Turning Japanese", the follow up single "News at Ten", the anthem "Letter from Hiro", the infectiously poppy "Waiting for the Weekend", "Bunkers", "Trains", "Spring Collection, and the list go's on. Every song on the album could have been a single.
The follow up album "Magnets" had darker overtones and spawned the single "Jimmie Jones" and other superb tracks such as "Daylight Titans"," Civic Hall", "Spiders" (John Merjave's favorite),"Silver Machines" and more. Add to that, there is the B side of Turning Japanese and Live favorite, "Here Comes the Judge" and you have a collection of songs that has stood the test of time. As I've said, i have been listening to these songs for over 35 years, and they continue to inspire me.
The band toured extensively during their short reign including successful tours of the USA but sadly in 1982 the band split up:
Lead singer Dave Fenton returned to being a Music Lawyer and Lead Guitarist Ed Bazalgette became a successful TV Director with recent credits such as the BBC Period dramas "Poldark"," Versailles" and the popular, "Dr Who".
But then, in 2016 the announcement came that The Vapors were reforming for a handful of reunion gigs in the UK. I remember that i heard this on BBC radio through a podcast i was hearing during work. These sold out quickly, as expected, and the band stormed back into the limelight with original members Dave Fenton, Ed Bazalgette and Bassist Steve Smith with new drummer Michael Bowes.
The bands new found popularity has seen them continue to play some amazing shows and festivals in the UK during 2017. At that time, they had no plans to come to the US, so i knew that if i don't move to see them in London, i would miss the opportunity to ever my beloved band. Antoinette and i made the trip to London on November 10, 2017 at the Venue 229 to catch their show and we were completely blown away by how good the band are still and how popular they are with the fans there. The UK fan community was a blast. The electricity of the show was something to behold as they powered through a 90 minute set of all the songs we remembered.
So who am i and what's my aim?
My name is Evan Blonder and i live and work on Long Island, near New York City. I have a personal and business page on Facebook - Go see it.
I am a huge HUGE Vapors fan. I cant get enough of their music and i am passionate about the band returning to the USA to do some shows.
Here lies the stumbling block- The Vapors are not contracted to a record label and all of their UK shows and outings are self-funded from within the band.
Planning a tour of the USA is fraught with problems, none more so than the high costs of P1 Performers Visas to get the band and crew here, plus International flights, hotels, equipment/sound hire etc etc- you get the idea. I made enquiries with the members of The Vapors about what it would cost for them to do some shows in NYC.
In total, it would cost $23,000 to cover all these things and get the band here to do 3 shows in New York City (P1 Visas alone for band and crew are $12000).
Doing just 3 shows in NYC is the best we can hope for as it is practical just to get here from the UK and flights and hotels are plentiful and inexpensive.
If you start adding in other cities you start adding extra costs for internal transport, hotels, etc and where does it end hence why i am aiming for the lowest possible funds required to get them on the left side of the pond.
They have a NYC venue ready to perform on 3 dates when we have funds in place to arrange Visas and flights.
This is where you, the fan, can help
WE NEED DONATIONS! It would be best to raise these funds as soon as possible for a 2018 date. The sooner, the better. In return for your help, the band has something to offer.
In return for donations, the band will provide opportunities and exclusive memorabilia for attending fans.
Heres a list of some of the exclusives on offer. There may be more as the site develops. There might be changes in the price. The might be additions or subtractions, but i will keep it interesting.
First to consider:
It should be noted that the purchase of these premiums do not include a ticket to the shows. These will be sold separately at an approximate cost of $35 each but anyone that purchases one of the experience based offers such as Meet and Greet, Soundcheck entry, joining the band for the day, etc would get an early bird code to purchase tickets before they go on general sale.
1. First show only - join the band for the day to set up and load in equipment, help set up at soundcheck, hang out back stage with the band, join the band on stage at soundcheck to perform Turning Japanese, join band for pre show meal then introduce band onstage plus signed set list.
$1000 (1 only)
2. Second and Third Show - Watch soundcheck, join the band at soundcheck only to perform Turning Japanese, pre show meal with band, introduce band, signed set list. $750 each.
(1 available per night for shows 2 + 3 only)(2 only)
3. Entry to soundcheck, signed set list - $50 each (requires separate gig ticket to be purchased- see above) - 50 available per night for shows 1, 2, and 3 (150 spots total)
4. Pre show meet and greet with band + signed set list and badge - $100 each (requires separate gig ticket to be purchased- see above) - 25 available per night for shows 1,2,and 3 (75 spots total)
5. Signed t-shirts and set list packages - $55 each + postage where required (50 shirts)
6. Signed set list and badge pack $25 each + postage where required (50 packages)
7. Personal video message from the band. $45 each (10 messages)
8. Signed Drumskin $75 each (after final show)(2 drum skins)
If you are unable to attend any shows but would still like to support me and my dream you can still donate a few dollars to help.
-Maybe we can get some ebay auctions going.
I invite you to be part of what could become a little bit of musical history. The first time for over 35 years, The Vapors will play on USA soil and possibly the last. If you are a Vapors fan or just a fan of live music please join me and lets try and make this happen.
If the US community is not able to raise the funds, and we don't reach our target, everyone gets their money back. There is no risk.
For more info about The Vapors, go to their page
www.Facebook.com/Thevaporsofficial
Twitter @Vaporsofficial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGtwMMgaCCk
http://www.mojo4music.com/247…/vapors-defy-one-hit-wonder-ta
Thanks
Evan
The Vapors UK
The Vapors Official Facebook. Turning Japanese 2017 Contact- Email - [email redacted] Twitter @vaporsofficial Instagram - TheVaporsOfficial
Who remembers that brilliant UK 80s New Wave band The Vapors?
They had a worldwide hit in 1980 with "Turning Japanese" that was on the Billboard Top 40 here in the USA and was taken from the now classic and still relevant album (more so now than ever) "New Clear Days". They were managed by Paul Weller's Father, John Weller, and The Jam Bass Player, Bruce Foxton, and toured with The Jam in 79 on the "Setting Sons" Tour.
They hit the big time in 1980 when Turning Japanese reached Number 3 in the UK charts, Number 1 in Australia and our very own Billboard Top 40.
They released two albums- the aforementioned New Clear Days which was packed full of great tunes such as "Turning Japanese", the follow up single "News at Ten", the anthem "Letter from Hiro", the infectiously poppy "Waiting for the Weekend", "Bunkers", "Trains", "Spring Collection, and the list go's on. Every song on the album could have been a single.
The follow up album "Magnets" had darker overtones and spawned the single "Jimmie Jones" and other superb tracks such as "Daylight Titans"," Civic Hall", "Spiders" (John Merjave's favorite),"Silver Machines" and more. Add to that, there is the B side of Turning Japanese and Live favorite, "Here Comes the Judge" and you have a collection of songs that has stood the test of time. As I've said, i have been listening to these songs for over 35 years, and they continue to inspire me.
The band toured extensively during their short reign including successful tours of the USA but sadly in 1982 the band split up:
Lead singer Dave Fenton returned to being a Music Lawyer and Lead Guitarist Ed Bazalgette became a successful TV Director with recent credits such as the BBC Period dramas "Poldark"," Versailles" and the popular, "Dr Who".
But then, in 2016 the announcement came that The Vapors were reforming for a handful of reunion gigs in the UK. I remember that i heard this on BBC radio through a podcast i was hearing during work. These sold out quickly, as expected, and the band stormed back into the limelight with original members Dave Fenton, Ed Bazalgette and Bassist Steve Smith with new drummer Michael Bowes.
The bands new found popularity has seen them continue to play some amazing shows and festivals in the UK during 2017. At that time, they had no plans to come to the US, so i knew that if i don't move to see them in London, i would miss the opportunity to ever my beloved band. Antoinette and i made the trip to London on November 10, 2017 at the Venue 229 to catch their show and we were completely blown away by how good the band are still and how popular they are with the fans there. The UK fan community was a blast. The electricity of the show was something to behold as they powered through a 90 minute set of all the songs we remembered.
So who am i and what's my aim?
My name is Evan Blonder and i live and work on Long Island, near New York City. I have a personal and business page on Facebook - Go see it.
I am a huge HUGE Vapors fan. I cant get enough of their music and i am passionate about the band returning to the USA to do some shows.
Here lies the stumbling block- The Vapors are not contracted to a record label and all of their UK shows and outings are self-funded from within the band.
Planning a tour of the USA is fraught with problems, none more so than the high costs of P1 Performers Visas to get the band and crew here, plus International flights, hotels, equipment/sound hire etc etc- you get the idea. I made enquiries with the members of The Vapors about what it would cost for them to do some shows in NYC.
In total, it would cost $23,000 to cover all these things and get the band here to do 3 shows in New York City (P1 Visas alone for band and crew are $12000).
Doing just 3 shows in NYC is the best we can hope for as it is practical just to get here from the UK and flights and hotels are plentiful and inexpensive.
If you start adding in other cities you start adding extra costs for internal transport, hotels, etc and where does it end hence why i am aiming for the lowest possible funds required to get them on the left side of the pond.
They have a NYC venue ready to perform on 3 dates when we have funds in place to arrange Visas and flights.
This is where you, the fan, can help
WE NEED DONATIONS! It would be best to raise these funds as soon as possible for a 2018 date. The sooner, the better. In return for your help, the band has something to offer.
In return for donations, the band will provide opportunities and exclusive memorabilia for attending fans.
Heres a list of some of the exclusives on offer. There may be more as the site develops. There might be changes in the price. The might be additions or subtractions, but i will keep it interesting.
First to consider:
It should be noted that the purchase of these premiums do not include a ticket to the shows. These will be sold separately at an approximate cost of $35 each but anyone that purchases one of the experience based offers such as Meet and Greet, Soundcheck entry, joining the band for the day, etc would get an early bird code to purchase tickets before they go on general sale.
1. First show only - join the band for the day to set up and load in equipment, help set up at soundcheck, hang out back stage with the band, join the band on stage at soundcheck to perform Turning Japanese, join band for pre show meal then introduce band onstage plus signed set list.
$1000 (1 only)
2. Second and Third Show - Watch soundcheck, join the band at soundcheck only to perform Turning Japanese, pre show meal with band, introduce band, signed set list. $750 each.
(1 available per night for shows 2 + 3 only)(2 only)
3. Entry to soundcheck, signed set list - $50 each (requires separate gig ticket to be purchased- see above) - 50 available per night for shows 1, 2, and 3 (150 spots total)
4. Pre show meet and greet with band + signed set list and badge - $100 each (requires separate gig ticket to be purchased- see above) - 25 available per night for shows 1,2,and 3 (75 spots total)
5. Signed t-shirts and set list packages - $55 each + postage where required (50 shirts)
6. Signed set list and badge pack $25 each + postage where required (50 packages)
7. Personal video message from the band. $45 each (10 messages)
8. Signed Drumskin $75 each (after final show)(2 drum skins)
If you are unable to attend any shows but would still like to support me and my dream you can still donate a few dollars to help.
-Maybe we can get some ebay auctions going.
I invite you to be part of what could become a little bit of musical history. The first time for over 35 years, The Vapors will play on USA soil and possibly the last. If you are a Vapors fan or just a fan of live music please join me and lets try and make this happen.
If the US community is not able to raise the funds, and we don't reach our target, everyone gets their money back. There is no risk.
For more info about The Vapors, go to their page
www.Facebook.com/Thevaporsofficial
Twitter @Vaporsofficial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGtwMMgaCCk
http://www.mojo4music.com/247…/vapors-defy-one-hit-wonder-ta
Thanks
Evan
The Vapors UK
The Vapors Official Facebook. Turning Japanese 2017 Contact- Email - [email redacted] Twitter @vaporsofficial Instagram - TheVaporsOfficial
Organizer
Evan Blonder
Organizer
Great Neck, NY
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