Punk pop comeback surprises fans with unexpected Australian tour choice
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If you were into music during a certain era, chances are you remember the rush of a particular band that captured attention with their bold sound and style.
Their songs became a staple for fans, especially in one part of the world where they developed a strong following.
Now, after years away, that same energy is set to return to the stage once more.
Wendy James has never forgotten the wild scenes that greeted Transvision Vamp on their first Australian tour in 1989.
As hits like 'Baby I Don’t Care' and 'I Want Your Love' dominated the airwaves, the band was met by throngs of screaming fans and even riot police outside their venues.
Their appearances on iconic Aussie TV shows like Countdown and Hey Hey It’s Saturday only fueled the fire.
Reminiscing about those heady days, Wendy recently unearthed old Super 8 footage from the tour.
'I found a lot of Australian footage, especially film we captured in Melbourne, and I remember there were riot police on horses and people in the street and this one girl who screams they’re bigger than the Beatles,' she laughed.
It’s a memory that perfectly captures the fever pitch of Transvision Vamp’s Aussie fandom.
Wendy James was the quintessential 80s pop rebel—bold, outspoken, and unafraid to ruffle feathers.
She famously declared that Transvision Vamp would be bigger than Madonna and didn’t shy away from criticising the pop music machine of the era, including the Stock Aitken Waterman hit factory that launched the likes of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan.
With her baby-doll dresses, bright pink lipstick, and a punk attitude that paid homage to Blondie’s Debbie Harry, Wendy was a trailblazer.
In an era when female-fronted punk-pop bands were rare, she stood out as a genuine original, paving the way for future generations of women in music.
After a whirlwind three years of global touring and chart-topping success, Transvision Vamp’s journey ended abruptly due to a falling out with their record label.
Wendy James, ever the creative force, embarked on a solo career and eventually relocated to New York in 2002.
Her latest solo album, The Shape of History, released to critical acclaim last year, reignited her passion for performing live.
But it was Australia that called her back. 'I knew when I made this 10th album I wanted to not just do the UK again but go back to Australia, where the whole thing started. I know we broke out of the UK, but really, the rapturous, the enormousness broke out from Australia,' Wendy explained.
A few emails to Australian promoters later, and the wheels were in motion for a long-awaited return.
Transvision Vamp’s impact didn’t end with their chart success. The band’s style and sound left a lasting mark on the music world, inspiring everyone from grunge icon Kurt Cobain—who famously wore a Transvision Vamp T-shirt during Nirvana’s 1991 US tour and MTV performance—to today’s young female pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter.
'That T-shirt is just known now as the Kurt shirt,' Wendy said with pride.
'He came to quite a few of those shows we did in America in 1991, and he purchased his tour T-shirt and wore it for quite a few of his performances, including the MTV one. There’s really funny footage of him telling Courtney (Love) about her haircut, and he’s wearing my T-shirt. So yeah, it’s a great thrill.'
The excitement builds as Transvision Vamp prepares to hit the road again, kicking off at The Triffid in Brisbane on 12 February.
The tour will then make stops at The Station on the Sunshine Coast (14 Feb), King Street Bandroom in Newcastle (15 Feb), Metro Theatre in Sydney (17 Feb), Northcote Theatre in Melbourne (18 Feb), The Gov in Adelaide (19 Feb), and Magnet House in Perth (21 Feb).
Early bird presale tickets go live on 11 July at 9 am, and general tickets are available from 15 July at 9 am For all the details, head to Destroy All Lines.
It’s no accident that Wendy James chose Australia for this epic comeback. The love and enthusiasm of Aussie fans have always held a special place in her heart.
'The rapturous, the enormousness broke out from Australia,' she said.
For many of us, Transvision Vamp’s music was the soundtrack to our youth, full of rebellion, fun, and a sense of possibility.
For those of us who remember the 80s, this tour is a chance to relive the magic. For younger fans, it’s an opportunity to experience the energy and attitude that made Transvision Vamp legends in their own right.
Whether you were there for the original hysteria or you’re discovering the band for the first time, this is a comeback you won’t want to miss.
Credit: YouTube
Were you one of the fans who saw Transvision Vamp live back in the day? Do you have memories of their wild Aussie tours, or maybe you’ve still got your old band T-shirt tucked away? We’d love to hear your stories! Share your favourite Transvision Vamp moments in the comments below.
Read more: Rock legends return for Australian tour—see them live this year
Their songs became a staple for fans, especially in one part of the world where they developed a strong following.
Now, after years away, that same energy is set to return to the stage once more.
Wendy James has never forgotten the wild scenes that greeted Transvision Vamp on their first Australian tour in 1989.
As hits like 'Baby I Don’t Care' and 'I Want Your Love' dominated the airwaves, the band was met by throngs of screaming fans and even riot police outside their venues.
Their appearances on iconic Aussie TV shows like Countdown and Hey Hey It’s Saturday only fueled the fire.
Wendy James brings Transvision Vamp back to Australia for first tour in 27 years this February. Credit: Facebook
Reminiscing about those heady days, Wendy recently unearthed old Super 8 footage from the tour.
'I found a lot of Australian footage, especially film we captured in Melbourne, and I remember there were riot police on horses and people in the street and this one girl who screams they’re bigger than the Beatles,' she laughed.
It’s a memory that perfectly captures the fever pitch of Transvision Vamp’s Aussie fandom.
Wendy James was the quintessential 80s pop rebel—bold, outspoken, and unafraid to ruffle feathers.
She famously declared that Transvision Vamp would be bigger than Madonna and didn’t shy away from criticising the pop music machine of the era, including the Stock Aitken Waterman hit factory that launched the likes of Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan.
With her baby-doll dresses, bright pink lipstick, and a punk attitude that paid homage to Blondie’s Debbie Harry, Wendy was a trailblazer.
In an era when female-fronted punk-pop bands were rare, she stood out as a genuine original, paving the way for future generations of women in music.
After a whirlwind three years of global touring and chart-topping success, Transvision Vamp’s journey ended abruptly due to a falling out with their record label.
Wendy James, ever the creative force, embarked on a solo career and eventually relocated to New York in 2002.
But it was Australia that called her back. 'I knew when I made this 10th album I wanted to not just do the UK again but go back to Australia, where the whole thing started. I know we broke out of the UK, but really, the rapturous, the enormousness broke out from Australia,' Wendy explained.
A few emails to Australian promoters later, and the wheels were in motion for a long-awaited return.
Transvision Vamp’s impact didn’t end with their chart success. The band’s style and sound left a lasting mark on the music world, inspiring everyone from grunge icon Kurt Cobain—who famously wore a Transvision Vamp T-shirt during Nirvana’s 1991 US tour and MTV performance—to today’s young female pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter.
'That T-shirt is just known now as the Kurt shirt,' Wendy said with pride.
'He came to quite a few of those shows we did in America in 1991, and he purchased his tour T-shirt and wore it for quite a few of his performances, including the MTV one. There’s really funny footage of him telling Courtney (Love) about her haircut, and he’s wearing my T-shirt. So yeah, it’s a great thrill.'
The tour will then make stops at The Station on the Sunshine Coast (14 Feb), King Street Bandroom in Newcastle (15 Feb), Metro Theatre in Sydney (17 Feb), Northcote Theatre in Melbourne (18 Feb), The Gov in Adelaide (19 Feb), and Magnet House in Perth (21 Feb).
Early bird presale tickets go live on 11 July at 9 am, and general tickets are available from 15 July at 9 am For all the details, head to Destroy All Lines.
It’s no accident that Wendy James chose Australia for this epic comeback. The love and enthusiasm of Aussie fans have always held a special place in her heart.
'The rapturous, the enormousness broke out from Australia,' she said.
For many of us, Transvision Vamp’s music was the soundtrack to our youth, full of rebellion, fun, and a sense of possibility.
Whether you were there for the original hysteria or you’re discovering the band for the first time, this is a comeback you won’t want to miss.
Credit: YouTube
Read more: Rock legends return for Australian tour—see them live this year
