The Vapors

The Vapors were a British New Wave power pop band from Guildford, Surrey, England. After an abortive initial attempt at getting the group off the ground in 1978, singer/guitarist David Fenton managed to form a more cohesive and effective line-up for the Vapors in 1979. The other band members were: Edward Bazagette (lead guitar), Howard Smith (drums), and Steve Smith (bass). The group released their debut single "Prisoners" in 1979; this song failed to chart. The Vapors scored a massive international smash with the infectiously bouncy and catchy follow-up single "Turning Japanese;" this delightfully spiky and energetic tune peaked at #3 on the UK pop radio charts in March, 1980 and was also a big hit in Australia. A much beloved cult favorite amongst aficionados of early 1980's New Wave music, "Turning Japanese" has been featured on the soundtracks to such films as "Sixteen Candles," "The Gun in Betty Lou's Handbag," "Romy and Michele's High School Reunion," "Charlie's Angels," and "Jackass: The Movie." The group recorded two albums: 1980's "New Clear Day" and 1981's "Magnets." The songs "News at Ten" and "Jimmie Jones" both reached #44 on the UK pop charts. Alas, the Vapors broke up in 1981 because of the poor sales of their second album "Magnets" and their record label's lack of support for their intended seventh single "Red Flag" (this single was canceled sans explanation). The individual band members have all gone on to successful solo careers: David Fenton now earns his living as a solicitor who specializes in music law, Edward Bazagette works for BBC television as a producer, director and editor, Steve Smith continues to play in bands and does sound mixing gigs on the side, and Howard Smith works at PRS.