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The Vamps (British band)
The Vamps (British band)
from Wikipedia

The Vamps are a British pop band consisting of Bradley Simpson, James Brittain-McVey, Connor Ball and Tristan Evans.[1] They formed in 2012 and signed to Mercury Records (now Virgin EMI Records) in the November of the same year.[4]

Key Information

In 2017, they had their first number 1 on the UK Albums Chart with Night & Day (Night Edition). Their first two albums, Meet The Vamps and Wake Up are both certified Gold in the UK. The Vamps have also launched their own record label, Steady Records, and they are working in partnership with EMI/Universal. The first act signed was American band The Tide.[5]

In 2018, guitarist McVey participated in the eighteenth series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and finished in fifth place. They have continuously toured worldwide since their debut in 2012, and they are the first band to headline London's O2 Arena five years in a row.

History

[edit]

2011–2012: Formation

[edit]

James McVey was already managed by Richard Rashman and Joe O'Neill of Prestige Management. Deciding he wanted to form a band, McVey subsequently discovered Bradley Simpson in 2011 through YouTube.[1] Together, the pair wrote songs towards the later months of 2011, with Simpson later becoming the lead singer.[1] In 2012, Simpson and McVey met Tristan Evans through Facebook. The trio then met Connor Ball via a mutual friend.[1][6] In mid-2012, the band started uploading cover songs to their YouTube channel. By October, they were being described as a new boy band, with special attention given to their YouTube performance of One Direction's song "Live While We're Young".[7]

2013–2014: Meet the Vamps

[edit]

On 22 July 2013, the band uploaded their first original song, "Wildheart" (later re-titled "Wild Heart"), onto their YouTube account; the video received over 46,000 views within the first two days.[8][9] On 6 August 2013, they released the music video for their debut single "Can We Dance", which received over 1 million views within two weeks.[10] "Can We Dance" was released on 29 September 2013 and debuted at number two on the UK Singles Chart on 6 October 2013; beaten to number one by OneRepublic's "Counting Stars",[11] which sold 1,250 copies more.[12] On 19 November 2013, the band announced that they would release their debut album around Easter.[13] On 22 November 2013, the Vamps announced that their second single would be "Wild Heart".[14] The song received its first airplay three days later[15] and was released on 19 January 2014, peaking at number three on the UK Singles Chart the following week.

On 13 March 2014, the Vamps announced that their debut album would be released on 14 April 2014. On 22 March, it was revealed that the album would be titled Meet the Vamps.[16] On 6 April, they released "Last Night" as the third single from the album, debuting at number two in the UK. On 17 April, Meet the Vamps debuted at number two on the Irish Albums Chart and the UK Albums Chart, kept off the top spot by Paolo Nutini's Caustic Love.

In May 2014, it was announced that the Vamps would be making a cameo appearance in the soap opera Hollyoaks on 14 May 2014.[17] Hollyoaks released a teaser clip about the Vamps' appearance on YouTube. They were seen getting a picture with Peri Lomax (Ruby O'Donnell) as she goes to their concert with Sienna Blake (Anna Passey).[17][18]

On 18 May 2014, a new version of "Somebody to You", featuring American singer Demi Lovato, was released as the fourth single from Meet the Vamps as well as their debut single in the United States followed by an EP of the same title in August 2014. The collaboration also served as the lead single from the US version of the Vamps' debut album. Its accompanying music video has since accumulated over 108 million views on YouTube.[19]

On 12 October 2014, a new version of "Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart)", featuring Canadian singer Shawn Mendes, was released as the fifth and last single from their album. It debuted and peaked at number nine on the UK Singles Chart, becoming their fifth consecutive top 10 single. It was released with the b-side track "Hurricane", from Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day soundtrack.[20] The music videos for both tracks were released one month earlier.

On 4 November 2014, Meet the Vamps was officially released in North America.[21] On 1 December 2014, the album was re-released as Meet the Vamps (Christmas Edition), including eight Christmas bonus tracks and the single version of "Somebody to You", being available worldwide apart from the United States and Mexico.[22]

2015–2016: Steady Records and Wake Up

[edit]

In February 2015, The Vamps announced that they had launched their own record label along with Universal Music and EMI Records, having signed the American pop rock band The Tide as their first act, but the label didn't have a name yet.[23] Only in October it was revealed it would be called Steady Records.[24]

On 15 September 2015, the band announced their new single "Wake Up"[25] which was released on 2 October 2015. Their second studio album, "Wake Up",[25] was released on 27 November 2015. They performed at fanfests in Europe [26] and embarked on a world tour called Wake Up World Tour[27] which started in January 2016 to promote the album. The song debuted and peaked at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart and the album debuted at number 10 on the UK Albums Chart, selling over 27 thousand copies in the country in its first week. The second single off the album, "Rest Your Love", was released on the same day as the album.[28][29]

In December 2015, The Vamps announced that they had signed the British band New Hope Club and that they would be one of the opening acts in the UK leg of their Wake Up World Tour.[30]

In January 2016, The Vamps released their version of "Kung Fu Fighting" for the animated film Kung Fu Panda 3, which was accompanied by a music video. On 1 April 2016, a new version of "I Found a Girl", featuring Jamaican rapper Omi, was released as the third and last single off their second album. The song debuted at number 30 on the UK Singles Chart.[31] On 16 August 2016, The Vamps were featured on Vishal Dadlani & Shekhar Ravjiani’s song "Beliya", a Bollywood-pop song.[32][33]

2016–2019: Autobiography, "All Night", and Night & Day

[edit]

On 7 October 2016, The Vamps announced in a livestream via Facebook that the first single of their third studio album, both with no names revealed at the time, would be released on 14 October 2016, with an exclusive release on Capital FM on the previous day.[34] On the same day, hints of the name and lyrics of the single started being posted on the band's social medias and Spotify, following the same style as the hits for "Wake Up" single and album in September 2015. It was also announced that the album would be out in Summer 2017. On 12 October 2016, the band announced via livestream that the single would be called "All Night" and would be a collaboration with Norwegian DJ Matoma.[35] The song peaked at number 24 on the UK Singles Chart, number six on the Irish Singles Chart, number 13 on the Norwegian Singles Chart, number 12 on the New Zealand Singles Chart, and also became their first entry on the Canadian Hot 100 chart, peaking at number 72. It became the most charted and certified single of the band and their most streamed song on Spotify. On 20 October 2016, The Vamps released their autobiography The Vamps: Our Story 100% Official, which had been announced months earlier.[36]

"Middle of the Night", a collaboration with Danish DJ Martin Jensen, was announced as the second single of the album on 21 April 2017 and was released on 28 April 2017,[37] the same day their Middle of the Night Tour started. During the first show of the tour, it was announced that the name of their third album is Night & Day and will be released in two parts. The first part, Night Edition, was set to be released in July 2017[38] and the second one, Day Edition, was set to be released in July 2018. On 3 May 2017, a video explaining more about the album was uploaded on their social media.[39] On 19 May 2017, Swedish DJ Mike Perry released the single "Hands", a collaboration between himself, The Vamps, and American singer Sabrina Carpenter, which was included in the album.[40] The first part of the album, Night Edition, was released on 14 July 2017 and debuted atop the UK Albums Chart, becoming the band's first number one album.

On 20 April 2018, the band released the singles "Too Good to Be True", "Personal",[41] "Hair Too Long", and "Just My Type" from their album's Day Edition. On 13 July 2018, they released the Day Edition album which debuted at number one on the Official Scottish Albums Chart and number two on the UK Albums Chart.

On 27 July 2018, they released the single "We Don't Care", a collaboration with English DJ Sigala. In March 2019, "All the Lies", a collaboration with Brazilian DJ Alok and German producer Felix Jaehn, was released.[42]

The Missing You EP was released on 25 April 2019. The four-track EP consists of title track "Missing You", "Right Now" (a collaboration with Krept and Konan), "Waves" and an acoustic version of "All the Lies". The EP marked the band taking charge of their music and creative direction as they co-wrote and co-produced the entire body of work.[43]

2020–present: Cherry Blossom and Ten Years of The Vamps

[edit]

On 30 July 2020, they announced their fifth studio album Cherry Blossom. The lead single "Married in Vegas" was released on the same day as the album pre-order.[44] The album was released on 16 October 2020 and debuted and number one on the UK charts.[45] The album was supported by two more singles, "Better" and "Chemicals". They also held the 2020 virtual live stream concert Live at Hackney Round Chapel. In 2021 they released a music video for "Would You", featured on Alok and Bloodlines single "Another You",[46] and embarked on the Cherry Blossom Tour across the UK.[47] In 2022 they supported Picture This on the Ireland dates of their Life in Colour Tour and headlined The Vamps Barcelona Weekender.[48]

During August and September 2022 they released four compilation EPs: Collabs by Brad, Hidden Gems by James, Acoustic by Connor, and Live by Tristan. This followed with the release of their first greatest hits album Ten Years of The Vamps. The album was released digitally on 14 October 2022, along with a CD+fanzine version which included limited edition merchandise, a CD with previously unreleased songs, and a zine book of the band's ten-year history.[49] The fanzine was produced as a collaboration with the band and fans. On 18 November 2022, they released the single "Seat at the Table".[50] Throughout 2022 and 2023 they embarked on the Ten Years of The Vamps - The Greatest Hits Tour.[51][52]

The band released a stripped down version of "Somebody to You" on 7 June 2024, titled "Somebody to You (ReVamped)", the first of stripped down re-recordings of tracks from their debut album Meet the Vamps to be released.[53] Two more of these were released, "Last Night (ReVamped)" and "Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart) (ReVamped)", before the band released Meet the Vamps (ReVamped) on 20 September 2024, featuring six stripped down re-recordings of tracks from Meet the Vamps.[54][55][56]

Style

[edit]

The group have been compared to One Direction and labelled a boy band since their first fame in late 2012,[7] a label which continued to be applied in 2014.[57][58] The band disagree with the stereotyping, pointing to the fact that they formed by themselves—they are not the product of a record producer—and they play their own instruments.[59][60] They have been inspired by McFly, Blink-182, Ed Sheeran, Mumford & Sons,[1] Taylor Swift,[61] and Justin Bieber.[62]

Members

[edit]
  • Bradley Will "Brad" Simpson (born 28 July 1995)[63] is from Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, England. He sings lead vocals and plays guitar. Simpson met James Brittain-McVey via YouTube in 2012 (McVey's profile says 2011) and began working on their debut album soon after.[64] In February 2025, he released his debut solo album The Panic Years, which reached #7 on The UK Albums Chart.[65]
  • James Daniel Brittain-McVey (né McVey, born 30 April 1993)[66] is from Bournemouth, Dorset, England. He is the lead guitarist and sings backing vocals. Brittain-McVey met Brad Simpson via YouTube in 2011 (Simpson's profile says 2012) and began working on their debut album soon after.[64] Before joining the band, Brittain-McVey released an EP on 5 December 2009, Who I Am.[67] Brittain-McVey was a contestant on the 18th series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!,[68] he finished in 5th place. In January 2019, he got engaged to his girlfriend Kirstie Brittain,[69] and they married on 30 October 2021 at Lulworth Castle in Dorset.[70]
  • Connor Samuel John Ball (né Stephen, born 15 March 1996 in Aberdeen, Scotland)[71][63] is from Hatton, Warwickshire, England. He plays bass guitar and sings backing vocals. He was the last to join the band. He started a new band Lunars with Cheat Codes' Sasa Macek.[1] Ball was a contestant on the 14th series of Dancing on Ice, where he finished at the semifinals stage, with his professional partner Alexandra Schauman.[72]
  • Tristan Oliver Vance Evans (born 15 August 1994)[73] is from Exeter, Devon, England. He plays drums and sings backing vocals. Evans also acts as a producer for the band, particularly with their covers.[1] Evans married his fiancée in February 2025,[74] and became a father to a son in April 2025.[75]

Discography

[edit]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Award Year Category Work Result
4Music Video Honours 2013 Your Best Breakthrough The Vamps Won
The Hot Hits Awards Favourite New Artist
Best Group
BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards 2014 Friday Download's Best Breakthrough Award
Best British Group
Best British Single "Last Night"
Melty Future Awards Prix Spécial International The Vamps
UK Favourite Breakthrough
Radio Disney Music Awards The Freshest-Best New Artist Nominated
Teen Choice Awards Love Song "Somebody to You" (featuring Demi Lovato)
Breakout Group The Vamps
World Music Awards World's Best Song "Can We Dance"
"Wild Heart"
World's Best Video "Can We Dance"
"Wild Heart"
World's Best Album Meet the Vamps
World's Best Group The Vamps
World's Best Live Act
Scottish Awards 2015 Scottish Fashion Icon of the Year Connor Ball Won
BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards 2016 Best British Group The Vamps Won
Teen Choice Awards 2016 Choice Song Group "Wake Up" Nominated
Teen Choice Awards 2017 Choice Music Group The Vamps Nominated
iHeartRadio Music Awards[76][77] 2018 Best Boyband The Vamps Nominated

Tours

[edit]

The Vamps supported McFly on their Memory Lane Tour in April and May 2013, and Selena Gomez at London's Hammersmith Apollo on 7 and 8 September 2013.[78][79] In October, it was announced that The Vamps would support Taylor Swift on the London leg of her Red Tour in February 2014,[80] and The Wanted on the UK and Ireland leg of their Word of Mouth World Tour from 14 March to 1 April.[81]

On 12 February 2014, the band announced that they will be headlining their own UK tour in September and October 2014 to support their debut album.[82] They also went on several tours in Asia, the UK and North America. They had their world tour in 2016 to support their second album. They had several tours to support the release of the Night Edition of their third album. The band announced their upcoming USA 2018 Tour and Four Corners Tour 2019 [83] to support the release of the Day Edition of their third album.[citation needed]

Headlining

[edit]
  • Meet the Vamps Tour (2014–2015)
  • Wake Up European Fan-Fest Tour (2015)
  • Wake Up World Tour (2016)
  • Middle of the Night Tour (2017)
  • Night & Day: Up Close and Personal Tour (2017)
  • Night & Day Tour (2018)
  • Four Corners Tour (2019)
  • Live at Hackney Round Chapel (2020, livestream)
  • Cherry Blossom Tour (2021)[47]
  • The Vamps Barcelona Weekender (2022)[48]
  • Greatest Hits World Tour (2022–2023)

Supporting

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
The Vamps are a British pop rock band formed in 2012 in , consisting of vocalist and guitarist Bradley Simpson, guitarist and vocalist James McVey, bassist and vocalist Connor Ball, and drummer and vocalist Tristan Evans. The band signed with shortly after formation and rose to prominence through social media, particularly covers, before releasing their debut single "Can We Dance" in 2013, which peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart. Their self-titled debut album, , followed in 2014 and debuted at number two on the , earning platinum certification in the UK for sales exceeding 300,000 copies. Subsequent releases included Wake Up (2015), certified gold in the UK; Night & Day (2017), which became their first number-one album on the ; Night & Day (Day Edition) (2018); and Cherry Blossom (2020), marking a shift toward a more mature pop sound with electronic influences. The Vamps have amassed over a dozen top-ten singles in the UK, including collaborations like "Somebody to You" with and "All the Lies" with , and have sold millions of records worldwide. Known for their high-energy live performances, the band has headlined multiple world tours, including arena shows across , , and , and supported acts like and early in their career. In 2024, to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their debut album, The Vamps released a re-recorded and reimagined version titled Meet the Vamps (ReVamped), featuring updated productions of fan favorites, alongside an anniversary tour that continued into 2025 with global dates for a greatest hits setlist. As of 2025, the band is on an indefinite hiatus following the release of , allowing members to pursue solo endeavors—such as Simpson's debut album The Panic Years—though frontman Bradley Simpson has confirmed plans for an eventual reunion.

History

2011–2013: Formation and early career

The Vamps were formed in late 2011 when lead guitarist James McVey, already managed by Joe O'Neill of Prestige Management, discovered lead vocalist Bradley Simpson's cover songs on and reached out to him to collaborate on original material. The duo began writing songs together remotely, with McVey based in and Simpson in Birmingham. In 2012, they expanded the group by recruiting drummer Tristan Evans after connecting with him via and bassist Connor Ball through a mutual acquaintance, solidifying the lineup that August. The band quickly built an online presence by uploading acoustic covers of popular songs to their YouTube channel, which amassed over 100,000 subscribers by mid-2013 through consistent posts and fan engagement on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. This digital strategy helped cultivate a dedicated fanbase known as "Vamily," emphasizing interactive content such as live streams and Q&A sessions. Early performances were intimate, including their first rehearsal gig as a full quartet in the garage of McVey's family home in London, followed by small venue shows that honed their pop-rock sound blending harmonies and guitar-driven energy. Their breakthrough live exposure came in spring 2013 when they secured opening slots on McFly's Memory Lane Tour across UK arenas, marking their initial taste of larger audiences. O'Neill, recognizing their potential, arranged an audition for the group in 2013, leading to their signing with (an imprint of Virgin EMI) later that year. This deal provided professional production support and paved the way for their debut release. The band's first single, "Can We Dance," co-written with and produced by Shellback, was issued on 14 September 2013 and debuted at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, establishing their commercial viability. Social media played a pivotal role in fanbase growth during this period, with targeted campaigns and behind-the-scenes updates amplifying anticipation for their major-label entry.

2014–2015: Meet the Vamps and rise to fame

The Vamps released their debut studio album, , on 14 April 2014 through in the . The album debuted and peaked at number 2 on the , marking a significant commercial breakthrough for the band following their earlier singles success. Preceding the album, the band issued key singles including "Last Night" in April 2014, which reached number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, "" in June 2014, peaking at number 4, and "Wild Heart" in July 2014, which climbed to number 3. Promotion for Meet the Vamps included the release of official music videos for the lead singles, directed to capture the band's youthful pop-rock energy, alongside high-profile live performances. The band made notable television and event appearances, such as their set at Capital FM's at in June 2014, where they performed "Wild Heart" to a large audience. They also supported major artists like during her stop at in in February 2014, gaining exposure to broader audiences early in the album cycle. The band's first headlining outing, the Meet the Vamps Tour, commenced in September 2014 and extended into 2015 across the and , with tickets going on general sale in April 2014 and multiple dates selling out rapidly, including additional shows added in due to demand. The tour underscored their rising popularity, filling arenas and theaters as they performed tracks from the debut album. In parallel, the band expanded internationally, securing a release for Meet the Vamps on 4 November 2014 via , which facilitated North American tour dates supporting in summer 2014 and their own headline shows in 2015. By early 2015, amid their growing success, The Vamps established their own imprint, Steady Records, in partnership with Universal Music and , allowing for greater creative control on future independent releases. This move came as the band sold out venues across and , solidifying their transition from supporting act to established pop force.

2016–2017: Wake Up and Night & Day

In late 2015, The Vamps released their second studio album, Wake Up, on 27 November through their newly established imprint Steady Records in partnership with . The album debuted and peaked at number 10 on the , marking a continuation of their pop-rock sound with influences from indie and acoustic elements. Leading up to the release, the band promoted it through a "Vamps Revolution" campaign, including acoustic performances and fan interactions. On 20 October 2016, the band released their , Our Story: 100% Official, chronicling their rise to fame. The lead single "Wake Up" was issued on 2 October 2015 and reached number 12 on the UK Singles Chart, featuring upbeat production that highlighted the band's vocal harmonies. A subsequent single, "I Found a ", featuring Jamaican OMI, followed in early and peaked at number 30 on the UK Singles Chart, incorporating reggae-infused rhythms that expanded their collaborative approach. During this period, The Vamps also ventured into acoustic re-recordings, releasing stripped-down versions of tracks like "Wake Up (Acoustic)" to showcase their live performance roots and appeal to fans seeking more intimate interpretations. Building on their growing independence, The Vamps fully activated Steady Records in 2016 as an offshoot of , signing their first acts and handling more creative control over releases while remaining distributed by Virgin EMI. This shift aligned with the release of the single "All Night", a collaboration with Norwegian DJ issued on 14 October 2016, which debuted at number 24 on the UK Singles Chart and introduced electronic dance elements to their repertoire. The track's vibe, produced with input from , reflected the band's evolving sound toward more genre-blending pop. In 2017, The Vamps released the Night Edition of their third studio album, Night & Day, on 14 July through Steady Records and Virgin EMI, debuting at number 1 on the —their first chart-topping release. The album's concept divided into night and day themes explored heartbreak and relationships, with production emphasizing synth-driven pop and guest features. From this edition, "Stay" was made available digitally but did not enter major charts, serving as a promotional track with its melancholic lyrics. Later in the year, the from the forthcoming Day Edition, "Personal" featuring , was released on 20 October and peaked at number 76 on the UK Singles Chart, blending acoustic guitar with electronic beats. Acoustic versions of songs from Night & Day, such as "Personal (Acoustic)", further extended the album's reach through live sessions and digital releases, reinforcing the band's versatility.

2018–2020: Singles, and Cherry Blossom

Earlier single "Middle of the Night" featuring Martin Jensen, initially released in 2017, maintained visibility through ongoing radio play and digital streams into 2018, having peaked at number 44 on the UK Singles Chart and number 8 on the Scottish Singles Chart. In 2018, The Vamps continued to build on their previous releases by issuing remixes of earlier hits, including the Alex Adair remix of their 2016 single "All Night" featuring , which helped sustain fan engagement and streaming momentum for the track that originally peaked at number 24 on the UK Singles Chart. The band also promoted tracks from the Day Edition of their third album, Night & Day, with singles like "Just My Type" peaking at number 71 on the UK Singles Chart in June 2018, amid their evolving pop-rock sound. In 2019, the band experimented with standalone releases, including the "Missing You" EP in April, which explored themes of longing and received positive fan reception but did not enter the main UK Singles Chart Top 100. On October 16, 2020, The Vamps released their fourth studio album, , via , which debuted at number 1 on the , selling 13,476 units in its first week and becoming their second chart-topping album. The album featured a more mature, introspective production with influences from alternative pop, highlighted by "Married in Vegas," released digitally on July 31, 2020, which peaked at number 35 on the UK Singles Sales Chart despite not entering the main streaming-driven UK Singles Chart. Another track, "Paradise," served as a digital highlight from the album, emphasizing themes of and renewal in its lyrics and upbeat arrangement. The significantly disrupted the band's 2020 promotional plans, leading to the cancellation of live tours and in-person events; instead, they adapted by participating in the 'Lockdown Live' virtual festival organized by Virgin EMI in April 2020, performing alongside artists like to support global efforts and raise awareness for the crisis. This shift to online performances allowed The Vamps to connect with fans through streamed sets and interactions, maintaining momentum for Cherry Blossom amid widespread industry challenges.

2021–2025: Hiatus, solo endeavors, and 10th anniversary

Following the release of their fifth studio album in October 2020, The Vamps entered an indefinite hiatus, with no new group material produced until 2024. During this period, the band members shifted focus to individual pursuits, allowing each to explore personal artistic growth while maintaining their longstanding friendship. Bradley Simpson, the band's lead vocalist, marked his solo career with the release of his debut album The Panic Years on February 28, 2025, through Insanity Records and , following singles such as "Cry at the Moon" in March 2024 and "Holy Grail" in November 2024. The album, comprising 12 tracks exploring themes of emotional turmoil and self-reflection, was supported by a and tour commencing in May 2025. Guitarist James McVey released his debut solo EP Manabi on November 10, 2023, followed by a second EP, Letters Home, on July 19, 2024, both emphasizing introspective songwriting and acoustic elements. Bassist Connor Ball concentrated on songwriting and production work, while drummer Tristan Evans engaged in similar creative endeavors, including collaborative DJ sets under the duo "Con and Tris" launched in March 2025. In September 2024, The Vamps reunited for their first group release in four years with the EP (ReVamped), featuring re-recorded acoustic versions of six tracks from their 2014 debut , including "Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart) [ReVamped]," "Last Night (ReVamped)," and " (ReVamped)." The EP, released on September 20 via streaming platforms, served as a nostalgic nod to their early sound while showcasing matured production. Accompanying the project was the Anniversary Tour, a run of dates starting September 7, 2024, celebrating the 10th anniversary of their debut with performances of reVamped tracks and classic hits. This followed an extension of their Greatest Hits Tour into early 2023, which had already hinted at ongoing band unity. By March 2025, Simpson addressed speculation about the band's future in an interview, affirming that The Vamps would "get back together" eventually, emphasizing the hiatus as a creative recharge rather than a permanent split. In August 2025, reports highlighted the group's continued cohesion, with members supporting one another's solo ventures while expressing enthusiasm for potential collaborative returns.

Musical style and influences

Genre and sound

The Vamps' music is rooted in , blending infectious pop melodies with rock-infused energy through upbeat tempos, prominent guitar riffs, and layered harmonious vocals that create a youthful, accessible appeal. Their sound features driving hooks and rhythmic bass lines, often delivered with a live-band feel that highlights the members' instrumental proficiency on guitar, bass, and . This foundation is evident in their early work, where tracks emphasize straightforward, radio-friendly structures designed to engage audiences with immediate catchiness. Over time, the band's sound evolved from the leanings of their 2014 debut , which prioritized vibrant, feel-good anthems, to a more mature edge in later releases like 2020's and the 2024 re-recorded (ReVamped). In this progression, they incorporated subtle electronic elements alongside acoustic textures, adding depth and introspection while retaining core pop sensibilities—such as in the EDM-tinged tracks and stripped-back ballads that balance high-energy choruses with emotional vulnerability. Production-wise, The Vamps have worked with collaborators like , who contributed to their 2015 album Wake Up, emphasizing polished yet organic arrangements that favor live instrumentation over heavy synth reliance. This approach underscores their guitar-centric style, with recordings often capturing the raw dynamics of band performances to enhance replayability. A hallmark of their sound is the use of four-part vocal harmonies, which add richness to choruses and build anthemic crescendos tailored for crowd sing-alongs during live shows. These elements, combined with soaring melodies, make their music particularly suited to high-energy concerts, where the interplay of vocals and guitars fosters an immersive, communal experience.

Influences

The Vamps' music draws heavily from and British rock traditions, with the band citing Blink-182 and as pivotal influences on their energetic sound and songwriting approach. also stands out as a major inspiration, particularly for live performance dynamics, as all four members—Bradley Simpson, James McVey, Connor Ball, and Tristan Evans—have highlighted the group's impact on their stage presence and debut album structure. and further shaped their guitar-driven pop elements, evident in McVey's admiration for their riff-based style. Individual members bring distinct influences to the band's aesthetic. Simpson has named as a key figure in his vocal and songwriting development, appreciating the blend of pop and acoustic storytelling, while and informed his raw, emotive delivery. McVey draws from acts like for melodic introspection and for narrative-driven lyrics, alongside pop-punk staples such as Blink-182's Take Off Your Pants and Jacket. Ball looks to and for bass lines and punk attitude, while Evans echoes the rhythmic drive of and Blink-182. The band's formation was rooted in the early teen pop scene, amplified by their covers of artists like and , which honed their harmonious, upbeat arrangements and helped build their fanbase. This era's energy, including nods to One Direction's structure, influenced their accessible melodies. elements appear in subtler ways, such as the ' impact on album titling—like Meet the Vamps echoing With the —and harmonious layering. These influences manifest in The Vamps' high-energy live shows, borrowing punk roots' intensity from Blink-182 and for crowd-engaging performances, while melodic structures from the era ensure radio-friendly hooks and vocal interplay. ' co-writing on tracks like "Can We Dance" directly infused soulful pop flair into their early material.

Band members and personnel

Current members

Bradley Simpson is the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of The Vamps. Born on 28 July 1995 in , West Midlands, , Simpson grew up in the Birmingham area with his parents, Derek and Anne-Marie, and his sister Natalie. Before forming the band, he developed an interest in music through listening to artists like and began posting cover songs on in 2011, where he connected with future bandmate James McVey. Simpson handles the majority of lead vocals in the band's recordings and live performances, with occasional contributions to songwriting. In addition to his band work, he released his debut solo album, The Panic Years, on 28 February 2025 via Insanity Records, exploring more introspective themes influenced by rock acts like Queens of the Stone Age. James McVey, the band's lead guitarist and backing vocalist, co-founded The Vamps alongside Simpson. Born James Daniel Brittain-McVey on 30 April 1993 in , , , he moved to , Dorset, at age four and was raised with his sister . Prior to the band, McVey taught himself guitar and uploaded original songs and covers to , leading to his online meeting with Simpson in ; he also studied at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute. McVey provides prominent guitar riffs and harmonies, often contributing to the band's pop-rock sound through his acoustic influences. He ventured into solo work with his debut EP Manabi in November 2023, focusing on themes and Japanese-inspired production. Connor Ball serves as the bassist and backing vocalist for The Vamps, having joined in 2012. Born Connor Samuel John Ball on 15 March 1996 in Aberdeen, Scotland, he relocated to Hatfield, Hertfordshire, at a young age following his parents' divorce and his mother's remarriage. Before the band, Ball was involved in local music scenes and learned bass guitar, drawing inspiration from pop-punk acts. Recruited through mutual connections after Simpson and McVey sought a bassist, he adds driving bass lines and energetic backing vocals to the group's performances. Ball has pursued side projects, including the pop-punk band LUNARS (formerly known as The Lunar Year) formed in 2021 with collaborators from Cheat Codes. Tristan Evans is the drummer and backing vocalist, completing the lineup since 2012. Born Tristan Oliver Vance Evans on 15 August 1994 in , , , he grew up with his sister Milly and brother James, starting drums at age seven and reaching the finals of the Young Drummer of the Year competition in 2010. Evans connected with the band via and was recruited for his skills, influenced by early supports like 's tours. He delivers the band's rhythmic foundation and contributes harmonies, while also producing elements in some tracks. Evans maintains personal ties to the music scene through friendships in acts like . In April 2025, Evans and his wife Annie welcomed their first child, a son named .

Timeline and contributions

The Vamps have maintained a stable lineup consisting of Bradley Simpson, James McVey, Connor Ball, and Tristan Evans since the band's formation in 2012, with no departures or major changes in membership throughout their career. Simpson and McVey initially connected online in 2011 and began collaborating on songwriting, later recruiting Ball and Evans via to form the complete group by early 2012. This core quartet has remained consistent, enabling a cohesive evolution in their collaborative dynamic without interruptions from lineup shifts. Bradley Simpson has been the band's primary songwriter, contributing lyrics and melodies to the majority of their material, including key tracks like "Wild Heart" and "Somebody to You" from their debut album Meet the Vamps, as well as later works such as Wake Up. James McVey has played a significant role in production alongside his duties as lead guitarist and , notably co-producing elements of their acoustic series Guide to Lurrrrve and contributing to the engineering of several EPs. Connor and Evans anchor the rhythm section as and , respectively, while providing backing vocals that enhance the band's harmonious pop-rock sound; all four members have increasingly participated in co-writing sessions, particularly from Night & Day onward, fostering a more democratic creative process. As the band progressed, individual contributions expanded, with members taking on more solo writing responsibilities in albums like Cherry Blossom (2020), where they co-wrote and co-produced the entire project to assert greater artistic independence. During the hiatus that began following the release of Cherry Blossom in 2020, the members pursued external endeavors that highlighted their evolving roles, including Simpson's solo album The Panic Years and McVey's EP Manabi, while Ball joined the alternative band LUNARS and Evans focused on personal production explorations. This period allowed for refreshed perspectives upon their return for the 2024 anniversary celebrations. The band collectively drove key decisions, such as launching their own , Steady Records, in partnership with Universal Music and in 2015, which empowered them to sign and mentor acts like and shape their output with enhanced autonomy.

Discography

Studio albums

The Vamps' debut studio album, , was released on 14 April 2014 through . The album features 15 tracks, including highlights such as "Wild Heart," "," and "Can We Dance," blending pop-rock elements with youthful energy. It debuted at number 2 on the , selling 47,160 copies in its first week, and has sold over 300,000 copies in the UK, earning platinum certification from the BPI. The band's second studio album, Wake Up, arrived on 27 November 2015 via Virgin EMI Records. Comprising 12 tracks in its standard edition, with the deluxe version expanding to 18, it explores more mature themes of relationships and personal growth through songs like "Wake Up," "Volcano" featuring Silento, and "I Found a Girl." The album peaked at number 10 on the UK Albums Chart and received gold certification from the BPI for sales exceeding 100,000 units in the UK. Night & Day marked the third studio album, initially released as the Night Edition on 14 July 2017 by , followed by the Day Edition on 13 July 2018. The Night Edition contains 10 tracks with a stripped-back, acoustic-leaning sound, highlighted by "All Night" with and "Middle of the Night" with Martin Jensen, while the Day Edition shifts to electronic influences across 20 tracks. The Night Edition debuted at number 1 on the , becoming the band's first chart-topping release, and both editions combined earned gold certification from the BPI. The fourth studio album, , was released on 16 October 2020 through amid the . Featuring 11 tracks with and dynamic live-inspired production, key songs include "Married in Vegas" and "Glory Days," reflecting introspection shaped by global lockdowns. It debuted at number 1 on the , securing the band's second consecutive top position.

Singles and extended plays

The Vamps have released more than 20 singles since , many of which have charted prominently on the UK Singles Chart and achieved success internationally in markets including , , and parts of . Several tracks feature collaborations with notable artists, enhancing their pop-rock appeal and contributing to certifications from the (BPI). These singles often served as lead promotions for but also include standalone releases that highlight the band's evolving sound during their active years and hiatus period. Their debut single, "Can We Dance", issued on 29 September 2013, debuted at number 2 on the UK Singles Chart, blocked from the top spot by OneRepublic's "". The track sold over 600,000 units in the UK, earning a from the BPI. Follow-up releases continued this momentum, with "Wild Heart" peaking at number 3 in January 2014 and "Last Night" reaching number 2 in April 2014, both certified gold by the BPI for 400,000 units each. "", featuring and released in May 2014, climbed to number 4 in the UK while becoming the band's highest-charting single in (number 14) and (number 17). Later singles like "All Night", a collaboration with Norwegian DJ released in October 2016, peaked at number 13 in the UK and charted in 11 countries worldwide. During their 2020 return, "Married in Vegas" entered the UK chart at number 35, reflecting a more mature pop direction amid the band's hiatus.
Single TitleRelease YearPeak UK PositionFeatured ArtistCertifications (BPI)
Can We Dance20132NonePlatinum (600,000)
Wild Heart20143NoneGold (400,000)
Last Night20142NoneGold (400,000)
Somebody to You20144Gold (400,000)
All Night201613 (600,000)
Married in Vegas202035NoneNone
In addition to singles, The Vamps have issued several extended plays, often as digital releases or promotional bundles to complement their album cycles. Early examples include the 2014 "Somebody to You EP", targeted at the market with acoustic and remix versions of tracks, and the "Missing You EP" featuring live session recordings. These EPs provided fans with intimate, stripped-back interpretations of their material, emphasizing the band's live performance roots. A notable recent release is the 2024 EP , commemorating the 10th anniversary of their debut album. It contains six re-recorded tracks, including "Wild Heart (ReVamped)", "Last Night (ReVamped)", " (ReVamped)", "Can We Dance (ReVamped)", "Risk It All (ReVamped)", and "Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart) (ReVamped)", showcasing a more polished, contemporary production while retaining the original pop energy. The EP was accompanied by individual single releases of select tracks, such as "Oh Cecilia (Breaking My Heart) (ReVamped)". These efforts underscore the band's enduring popularity during their hiatus and solo pursuits.

Tours

Headlining tours

The Vamps launched their debut headlining tour, the Meet the Vamps Tour, in September 2014 with a 14-date run that began at and included stops in major cities such as , , , and . The tour quickly sold out across nearly every venue, leading to additional dates, and expanded internationally in 2015 to encompass over 60 performances across , , , and , solidifying the band's rising popularity following their self-titled debut album. In 2016, the band undertook the Wake Up Tour, which featured arena-sized shows in the UK during March and April, including headline performances at in and the Genting Arena in Birmingham, before extending into a world tour leg from October 2016 to March 2017 across , , , , and with 29 dates. This international expansion highlighted the band's growing global fanbase and promoted their second studio album, Wake Up, with high-energy sets that drew large crowds in major venues worldwide. The Night & Day Tour in 2018 emphasized a more intimate and acoustic-driven production, incorporating stripped-back arrangements and fan-selected songs during portions of the shows, while spanning 49 dates from April in Sheffield's FlyDSA Arena to November in Buenos Aires. Kicking off in the UK with arena performances at venues like The O2 in London, the tour extended to Europe and South America, allowing the band to showcase tracks from their fourth album, Night & Day, in a format that blended pop-rock energy with acoustic vulnerability. The Four Corners Tour in 2019 was the band's tenth headlining tour, supporting their album Wonderful Wonderland (2018), and consisted of 47 dates from April in Plymouth, , to November in . It featured performances across the , , North America, and Latin America, with support acts including and on select legs, and included acoustic segments and fan interactions to highlight their evolving pop sound. Originally scheduled for 2020, the was postponed to September 2021 due to the , resulting in a nine-date run across venues such as O2 Academy Newcastle and Eventim Apollo in . The rescheduled shows marked one of the band's first major live outings post-lockdown, featuring material from their fifth album, Cherry Blossom, and incorporated enhanced safety measures alongside live recordings released for broader accessibility. To commemorate the tenth anniversary of their debut album, the Vamps embarked on the Meet The Vamps Anniversary Tour in September 2024, performing the full Meet the Vamps tracklist across an initial 10 dates, starting at and concluding at , with additional shows added in and elsewhere due to demand. The tour extended into 2025 with global dates from February 1 in Brisbane, , to March 27 in Warsaw, Poland, covering , , and with a greatest hits setlist. This celebratory outing revisited the band's origins with reimagined arrangements, drawing nostalgic crowds to venues like and emphasizing their enduring connection to early hits.

Supporting and festival appearances

The Vamps gained significant early exposure by serving as opening acts for established pop artists, helping to transition from YouTube covers to live performances before larger audiences. In April and May 2013, they supported on the UK leg of the Memory Lane Tour, performing at venues including London's . In September 2013, the band opened for at two sold-out shows at London's during her Stars Dance Tour, marking one of their first high-profile arena appearances. Early the following year, The Vamps were announced as the main support for The Wanted's 2014 UK arena tour, which promoted the group's third album and included dates at major venues like and in . A career highlight came in February 2014 when The Vamps opened for on all five nights of her at London's , exposing them to tens of thousands of international fans and solidifying their presence in the pop scene. The band's festival appearances further amplified their reach, starting with a debut slot at in August 2017, where they performed on the main stage at both the and sites, drawing crowds with hits like "." In more recent years, festival slots have tied into their touring extensions, providing opportunities to connect with global audiences. During the 2023 Greatest Hits Tour, they headlined Rocking the Daisies in , , delivering a set that included fan favorites such as "" and marking their first performance in the country. For their 2024 Meet the Vamps anniversary celebrations, The Vamps appeared at the MacMoray Summer Special in Elgin, , joining a lineup featuring acts like Status Quo and The Jacksons, and performing to enthusiastic crowds over the August weekend. These supporting roles and festival bookings were instrumental in expanding The Vamps' visibility, bridging their roots with international appeal and paving the way for headlining success.

Awards and nominations

Awards won

The Vamps achieved notable recognition in the pop and teen music scenes, securing several awards early in their career, particularly from to 2016. These accolades highlighted their rapid rise as a act in the UK and internationally. In , the band won the Your Best award at the Video Honours, as well as Favorite New Artist and Best Group at the Hot Hits Awards, marking their initial industry acknowledgment for their debut single "Can We Dance." The following year proved particularly successful. At the MTV Brand New awards, The Vamps were named the winner, earning priority promotion from throughout 2014 ahead of competitors like and . They dominated the Teen Awards 2014, taking home three honors: Best British Group, Best British Breakthrough, and Best British Single for "Last Night." Additionally, at the 2014 UK, they received the UK Favourite Breakthrough award. In 2016, The Vamps added to their tally by winning Best British Group at the Teen Awards, further solidifying their status among UK teen audiences. Overall, the band amassed approximately 10 wins during this period, focusing on categories celebrating new talent and fan popularity.

Nominations received

The Vamps received several nominations for major music awards during their early career, highlighting their rapid rise in popularity among teen and pop audiences, though they did not secure wins in these categories. In 2016, the band was nominated for Choice Summer Song at the for "Wake Up", competing against acts like and . At the , the band was nominated for Choice Music Group, competing against acts like , , and , but lost to . This recognition underscored their appeal in the pop-rock genre following the release of their second album, Wake Up. In 2018, The Vamps earned a nomination for Best Boy Band at the , alongside groups such as , , and , with ultimately taking the award. These nominations, concentrated in the mid-2010s, reflect the band's broad international recognition, with over a dozen such honors across various ceremonies emphasizing their breakthrough status in .

References

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