By Darren Grayer.
Wendy James really needs no introduction to anyone who was around at the end of the 80s. Numerous Top Of The Pops appearances with her chart-topping band, Transvision Vamp, and cover photos on every music publication going saw her become a household name, noted for her explosive looks and stage presence.
Last year she released her seventh solo album, The Shape Of History. It was accompanied by a number of in-store gigs that included a visit to Southampton’s Vinilo record store, which in turn culminated in tonight’s visit to The Brook (10/10/25), which sees her a third of the way through a UK tour lasting throughout October, before jetting off to Australia and New Zealand in February.
The odds were always going to be high on the first number being one of those hits for Transvision Vamp. Guessing which one is a different matter, but Wendy and band hit the floor running with the band’s breakthrough single Tell That Girl To Shut Up, the irony of which I’ll touch on later, but it’s met with instant appreciation.
And that very much sets the tone for the first part of the set, with tracks taken from Wendy’s solo albums. Do You Did It, Speedball, and You’re So Great are all full-on rockers that reflect the artist’s love of the New York scene circa mid-70s, that led to the punk explosion, and the influence of bands such as The Velvet Underground, The Stooges and New York Dolls.
We then see the more reflective side of Wendy’s songwriting with Farewell To Love and Everything Is Magic slowing the pace somewhat, and displaying the wisdom and maturity that, by her own admission, have become integral parts of Wendy James’s output as the years go by.
I Want Your Love then provides the audience with TV’s first top ten single. It’s obvious the set list has been very carefully considered, as the older material blends pretty effortlessly with Wendy’s solo efforts, which clearly display a great consistency. Perilous Beauty is taken from The Shape Of History, and the belting You’re A Dirtbomb Lester from 2016s The Price Of The Ticket.
Excellent lead guitarist, Alex Ward, then shows his subtle ability on as a keyboard player on A Big Vicious Rumble, a gentle slow burner that reflects upon the uncertainties of life. The other two members of the band boast a pretty seasoned rhythm section, with original TV and ex Bush bass player Dave Parsons and drummer James Sclavunos ( Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Sonic Youth, The Cramps).
You’re A Good Man Sister and You Tell Me, both display a sizeable chunk of Glam Rock influence, with the former’s Jean Genie riff relentlessly driving the song behind the spoken lyrics of Wendy James.
As with the set opener, its closing song, Baby I Don’t Care, gave Transvision Vamp their biggest hit. The huge Wild Thing opening guitar riff and screaming vocal intro sees The Brook audience sing along enthusiastically. “Wow, 1988, I mean, who’d have thought it, all these years later? Thank you so much, Southampton!” Wendy James leaves the stage, clearly feeling the amount of love in the room for her.
After a couple of minutes of crowd appreciation, the band return with a three-song encore. The Impression Of Normalcy is another out and out rocker from the 2016 album Queen High Straight, before two more Transvision Vamp numbers, If Looks Could Kill and Bad Valentine bring a highly entertaining hour and a quarter to a close.
Wendy James clearly loves being back on stage and performing with a band, it’s absolutely what she was born to do. Rock n roll runs through her veins, and that’s never going to be any different, but she also comes across as a gracious and down-to-earth artist who really appreciates the love that audiences still show her.
Support was provided by young Portsmouth artist Mimi Rae, along with her excellent noodling guitarist, Matt Hennessey. Mimi usually performs her tuneful indie pop songs with her full backing band, and to be honest, had that been the case, I think it might have helped her drown out the awful background noise provided by a significant part of the audience, who seemed to think a good old chatter was more important than actually listening to her. I can’t fault The Brook, it’s a wonderful venue that plays an important role in Southampton’s healthy music scene, and the messages being projected on the wall behind the artist ,read along the lines of -respect the artist, respect those around you, and please be quiet at the right times, so they certainly do their best to encourage the right etiquette.
You pay your money, so you make your choice, I suppose, but credit to Mimi and Matt for ploughing on through it, and those that were listening were very appreciative.
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