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Vain (band)
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Vain is an American glam metal band from San Francisco Bay Area, California, formed in 1986. As of 2018, the lineup consists of Davy Vain (lead vocals), Joel Proto (guitar), Ashley Mitchell (bass) and Tommy Rickard (drums).

Key Information

After recording a demo, Davy Vain founded Vain in 1986, adding Dylana Nova Scott, Danny West, Ashley Mitchell and drummer Tom Rickard to the lineup. They signed with Island Records in 1988, before releasing their debut album the following year, titled No Respect, which peaked at number 154 on the Billboard 200.

Though they recorded a second album, Vain were released by Island in 1991. That same year ex Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler asked Davy to join him in forming Road Crew. Davy agreed to join Road Crew with Dylana Nova Scott joining him. They would add guitarist Shawn Rorie and eventually bassist Ashley Mitchel to finalize the bands line up. This put Vain on hiatus and left Tommy Rickard and Danny West to continue their musical journeys elsewhere. Road Crew however also disbanded in 1991 due to Adler's drug abuse. Vain then reformed in 1993 and went through a number of lineup changes for the release of their next two studio albums. By 2005, Scott and West had returned to the band, while Rickard would rejoin them in 2009 and share drumming duties with Louie Senor.

To date, Vain have released eight studio albums; No Respect (1989); All Those Strangers (1991); Move On It (1993); Fade (1995); On The Line (2005); Enough Rope (2011); Rolling With The Punches (2017), and 'Disintegrate Together' (2024).

History

[edit]

Formation and No Respect (1986–1990)

[edit]

"When we got signed, I told the guy who was vice president that we wanted to make a really raw, hungry album. And he said: "That's good, because I don't want you to sound like you're the biggest band in the world – we already have that, it's called U2. We want you to go into the studio and sound like you're young, hungry and broke – guys who want to do nothing but play music and have sex.""[1]

—Davy Vain on being signed by Island Records.

Davy Vain had initially began his career as a record producer, producing Death Angel's debut album The Ultra-Violence,[1][2] before recording a demo with Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett in 1986.[3][4] After recording, Vain decided to form a band, in the San Francisco Bay Area,[2] under his own moniker, adding bassist Ashley Mitchell, drummer Tom Rickard and guitarists Dylana Nova and Danny West to the lineup.[3] From 1986 to 1987, the band proceeded to play shows in San Francisco,[1] before playing regularly in Los Angeles,[5] where they also opened for Guns N' Roses prior to their success,[4] and were featured on the cover of Kerrang! magazine.[3] After showcasing to major record labels, including Geffen Records,[5] Vain signed with Island Records in 1988.[3][6]

Recorded with producer Paul Northfield,[5][7] Vain released their debut album entitled No Respect in 1989.[3][8] The album peaked at number 154 on the Billboard 200.[9] Critically, the album was also well received,[1][8][10] with Vain featured on the covers of both Kerrang! and BAM.[10] Geoff Barton would later give a positive review for Classic Rock describing the album as "a Maybelline-metalised debut par excellence – no 'perhaps' about it" with the music being "unharnessed, haystack-haired heaviness from beginning to end" and that "it's the Crüe at their most coarse and corrupted."[11] In support of the album, Vain toured the US while they also supported Skid Row on their tour of the UK in November 1989.[1][3]

Released by Island and Road Crew (1990–1991)

[edit]
Main article: Road Crew (band)

The band began recording their second album, titled All Those Strangers, with producer Jeff Hendrickson.[7] The release of the album was advertised in Japan while a number of pre-release cassettes were released.[1] However, when Island Records were bought by PolyGram,[12] Vain were dropped by the label in 1991, with All Those Strangers remaining unreleased.[3] The same year, West and Rickard departed the band.[3]

Vain soon added guitarist Shawn Rorie and former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler to the lineup.[3] Vain then renamed themselves Road Crew,[1][13][14][15] the name of one of Adler's previous bands that featured both Slash and Duff McKagan.[16][17][18] They recorded a new album and gained record label attention.[13] However, Adler's drug problems at the time led to the band disbanding.[13][15]

Reformation and subsequent releases (1993–2008)

[edit]

Vain reformed in 1993 with new drummer Danny Fury, formerly of The Lords of the New Church, to record their third album (and second release) Move On It, which was released in Japan through Polystar Records.[1][3] The rise in popularity of Seattle's grunge movement meant the album did not achieve the same success as No Respect.[1] By the time Vain began recording their fourth album, Scott, West and Fury had departed the band, with Scott going on to audition for Ozzy Osbourne and join Big Blue Hearts, while West released a solo EP entitled Taste the Sounds.[3] With Davy Vain handling both vocal and guitar duties, as well as producing the album, and Mitchell on bass, Vain added drummer Louie Senor to the lineup to record Fade, which was released in 1995, through Polystar.[1][3]

In 2000, Davy recorded and released his debut solo album entitled In From Out of Nowhere with Mitchell, Senor and guitarist Craig Behrhorst.[19] The same year, Scott returned to the band and contributed to the solo album.[1][19] The following year, Davy worked with Christina Aguilera as the assistant engineer and Pro Tools engineer on her album Stripped.[4][5][20]

Vain re-released their debut album No Respect, through Gott Discs in 2005, with West rejoining the band.[1][19] In support of the re-release, Vain toured the UK, for the first time since 1989,[1] and Europe from May 21 – June 3.[21] Kerrang! writer Steve Beebee reviewed their show at Rock City in Nottingham, stating that "even though their set-list includes a mere four songs from that Holy Grail of debuts [No Respect]," it was a gig that "leave[s] you genuinely amazed, and more than anything, angry that a trend-fixed music industry could possibly have suppressed this awesome band for 15 years."[22]

Vain then recorded a new album entitled On the Line in Davy's recording studio, The Groove Room, which was released on August 23 of the same year through Perris Records.[23][24] Reviewing the album for Blogcritics, Chris Akin stated that "Vain seem to have stepped back into the time machine and created an album that falls somewhere between No Respect and Fade" and that "one of the best unknown bands of the era comes back with a cool reunion album here."[25] Vain toured again in 2006 while in 2008, they performed at Rocklahoma and the four-day Rock the Bayou festival from August 29 – September 1.[19][20][26]

All Those Strangers, Enough Rope and Rolling with the Punches (2009–present)

[edit]

In 2009, original Vain drummer Tom Rickard returned to the lineup, with the band toured the UK from November 24 – December 1 the same year with San Francisco Bassist Fraser Lunney.[8][27] The following year, after acquiring the master recordings, Vain released All Those Strangers, that was originally to be released in 1991, through Davy's Jackie Rainbow Records.[4] Reviewing All Those Strangers for The Austin Chronicle, Raoul Hernandez compared the music to Mother Love Bone, stating that the album "initially came on like a comedown from its fast, trashy birth mother." However, "upon release [the album] now proves no slump."[28]

In 2011, Vain toured Europe,[20] with a new lineup including Deathstars guitarists Cat Casino and Skinny Disco and San Francisco bassist Fraser Lunney, before releasing their new album entitled Enough Rope on October 28, through Music Buy Mail, in the US and Europe, and Spiritual Beast/Universal in Japan.[10] The album featured drums by Rickard, Senor and Adler, bass by Ashley Mitchell and Fraser Lunney as well as unreleased material from their time as Road Crew.[5][20] An additional song from the Road Crew sessions was included on the Japanese release of the album.[20]

In 2017, Vain released the album Rolling with the Punches. The album featured several new tracks. The band toured the UK and Germany in the Summer/Fall of 2017.

Scott, now a multi-patented inventor of guitar gear, appears live and records with the band on a limited basis after relocating to Nashville, TN in 2009 and having greater focus on personal life as well as business with guitar amplifier company, 3rd Power Amplification. She came out as transgender in 2017.[29]

Vain's newest member is guitar player Joel Proto. A Bay Area native, Proto has been in local bands including GhostTown with singer, actor, comedian Dean Delray. Aside from Vain, he also contributes to several Bay Area bands, including Featherwitch, which also includes Vain drummer Tommy Rickard, AC/DZ, an AC/DC cover band which includes Zetro from Exodus on vocals and Riff Raff, another AC/DC cover band.

Personnel

[edit]

Discography

[edit]
Studio albums
  • No Respect (1989)
  • All Those Strangers (1991)
  • Move On It (1993)
  • Fade (1995)
  • On the Line (2005)
  • Enough Rope (2011)
  • Rolling with the Punches (2017)
  • Disintegrate Together (2024)
Self released
  • Holdin' On For Love (1988)

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Vain (band)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Vain is an American band formed in the in the mid-1980s, fronted by vocalist Davy Vain and recognized for their raw, high-energy sound influenced by acts like and . The band gained a through their debut No Respect (1989, ), which peaked at No. 154 on the and featured airplay for singles like "Beat the Bullet" and "Secrets," alongside a Kerrang! magazine cover feature. Originally comprising Davy Vain on lead vocals, guitarists Danny West and James Scott, bassist Ashley Mitchell, and drummer Tom Rickard, the group relocated to early in their career, opening for major acts and building buzz in the late-1980s glam scene. Despite initial promise with major-label backing, lineup changes and the grunge-era shift limited mainstream success, leading to a hiatus after their early releases; however, they reformed in the and have maintained activity with independent albums into the . Davy Vain, who also produced Death Angel's debut The Ultra-Violence (1987), has remained the creative core, contributing to the band's enduring appeal among enthusiasts. The band's discography spans over a dozen releases, including All Those Strangers (2009), Move On It (1994), On the Line (2005), Enough Rope (2011), Rolling with the Punches (2017), and their latest Disintegrate Together (2024), showcasing evolving themes of resilience and rock 'n' roll defiance. Notable for their live performances and bootleg recordings from the 1989-1995 era, Vain continues to tour and release music, preserving their place in the legacy of Bay Area rock.

History

Formation and early career (1986–1988)

Vain was formed in 1986 in , , by vocalist and guitarist Davy Vain as part of the Bay Area's burgeoning scene, which blended elements of punk, thrash, and hair metal amid the region's vibrant music culture. Davy Vain, who had begun performing as a singer at age 17 and drew early inspiration from rock acts like and , assembled the band after recording an initial demo produced by Metallica's , which helped establish credibility and attract talented musicians. The original lineup featured Davy Vain on lead vocals and guitar, Danny West on , James Scott on , Ashley Mitchell on bass, and Tom Rickard on drums, creating a tight-knit group focused on a raw, groove-oriented sound with emotional depth rather than polished pop sensibilities. Under Vain's songwriting leadership, which emphasized instinctive, verse-driven compositions, the band developed a sleazy, high-energy live persona influenced by the gritty aesthetics of and the intensity of , setting them apart from more mainstream glam acts like . They honed their style through covers and originals drawing from contemporaries such as , Mötley Crüe, Faster Pussycat, and , prioritizing a street-level rock vibe over Sunset Strip excess. In their early years, Vain built a dedicated local following by playing gigs at Bay Area venues, including sold-out shows that showcased their raunchy, over-the-top performances designed to "tear the world apart," and they even relocated temporarily to to open for rising acts like . A pivotal moment came with additional demo recordings featuring tracks like "Beat the Bullet" and "Secrets," which highlighted Vain's charismatic presence and the band's driving melodies, ultimately catching the attention of major label scouts. By 1988, these efforts paid off when the band signed with , securing creative freedom for their debut but marking the end of their independent grassroots phase.

No Respect era and label troubles (1989–1991)

In 1989, Vain recorded their debut album No Respect at Banquet Studios in and in , , aiming for a raw, sleazy sound that captured the band's live energy without overproduction. The sessions emphasized a gritty style influenced by punk attitudes, as frontman Davy Vain sought to differentiate from polished contemporaries like . Released on July 24, 1989, via , the album featured tracks such as "Beat the Bullet," "Who's Watching You," and "1000 Degrees," with produced for the former two to promote the record. The release generated initial interest in the scene, bolstered by a Kerrang! magazine cover feature and the band's high-energy performances, but promotional efforts faltered amid internal label turmoil. ' acquisition by disrupted distribution and marketing, leaving the album with limited U.S. support despite stronger European reception; producer had warned Vain of the label's inconsistent promotion track record. As the rise of began shifting industry priorities in 1990–1991, the band's opportunities diminished further, with intended singles like "1000 Degrees" shelved over content concerns. Vain supported the album with a U.S. tour alongside in 1989–1990, showcasing their street-tough glam aesthetic amid growing scene pressures. However, the era saw escalating frustrations over creative control and label neglect, contributing to internal strains as the band adopted a more desperate, party-hard image to maintain momentum in a contracting market. Commercially, No Respect peaked at No. 154 on the in summer 1989, reflecting modest sales that failed to capitalize on the buzz. By 1991, dropped Vain following the shelving of their follow-up album All Those Strangers, which had been recorded but received no release support amid the label's ownership changes and the glam genre's decline. This fallout exacerbated band tensions, leading to a temporary name change to as members sought new directions, though no reissue of No Respect materialized at the time. The period marked a pivotal low point, underscoring the vulnerabilities of mid-tier acts during the early upheaval.

Hiatus and reformation (1991–1993)

Following their release from in 1991, after the label's ownership change and the shelving of their second album due to shifting musical tastes, Vain entered a period of hiatus marked by lineup instability and individual pursuits. Guitarist Danny West and drummer Tom Rickard both departed the band that year, leaving core members Davy Vain (vocals) and Ashley Mitchell (bass) to navigate the aftermath without major label support. During this transitional phase, Vain's members explored separate ventures amid the rising dominance of , which overshadowed acts like theirs. Frontman Davy Vain briefly joined the short-lived supergroup alongside former drummer , guitarist Shawn Rorie, and others, recording a handful of tracks that later appeared on Vain releases; however, the project disbanded quickly due to Adler's ongoing substance issues. Details on West's specific session work remain sparse, but he stepped away from the band to focus on personal projects before eventually rejoining. Vain himself attempted solo endeavors and expressed frustration over the lost momentum from their debut era's promotional troubles, fueling a determination to regain control over their creative output. By 1992, informal reunions began to emerge through scattered local performances, including a notable show at New York's club, signaling renewed interest among the core lineup despite the industry's pivot away from their style. These low-key gigs helped rebuild camaraderie and test new material, paving the way for a full reformation in early 1993. The reunited band retained Vain, Mitchell, and returning guitarist Danny West as its foundation, but replaced Rickard with Danny Fury—formerly of The Lords of the New Church—on drums, adopting a leaner configuration to prioritize songwriting and live energy over commercial pressures. The comeback was driven by a deliberate shift to a DIY , as grunge's raw authenticity and major labels' disinterest in hair metal left little room for Vain's polished sleaze rock on mainstream platforms. Motivated by a desire for artistic independence, the band pursued self-reliant releases, beginning with Move On It on Heavy Metal Records in 1994. Vain's resolve was particularly evident in efforts to reclaim the master recordings of their 1991 sessions, ensuring future releases remained under their direct influence rather than tied to the defunct deal. In early , the reformed Vain dove into recording sessions that emphasized a rawer, more organic production style, free from major label oversight and reflective of their resurgence. These efforts focused on material that captured their live intensity, marking a conscious evolution toward self-reliant creativity in an era hostile to their roots.

Independent phase and lineup changes (1993–2008)

Following their reformation in 1993, Vain entered an independent phase marked by releases on small labels, primarily targeting the Japanese market amid the decline of the scene. The band issued Move On It in 1994 through Heavy Metal Records, a full-length album featuring tracks like "Breakdown" and "Whisper," recorded with vocalist Davy Vain, guitarists Danny West and James Scott, bassist Ashley Mitchell, and drummer Danny Fury. This was followed by Fade in 1995 on Polystar, a more subdued effort with songs such as "Holdin' On" and "Shooting Star," reflecting a shift toward introspective songwriting while retaining the band's sleazy edge. Lineup fluctuations occurred during this period, with drummer Danny Fury replaced by Louie Senor for Fade and subsequent activities, stabilizing the rhythm section alongside the core members Vain, West, Scott, and Mitchell. The mid-1990s saw limited touring to promote Fade, including appearances that helped cultivate a among European glam revival enthusiasts, though opportunities were constrained by the explosion and industry shifts. The late and early brought financial challenges, as Vain navigated self-management without major label support, leading to sporadic activity and a focus on regional gigs. This era culminated in a partial reunion of the original lineup for the 2005 album On the Line, released via Perris Records, which delivered a polished return to form with tracks like "Running on Empty" and "So Free Now," emphasizing the band's enduring hooks. The release marked a bridge from their independent struggles, reigniting interest ahead of broader revivals.

Revival with major releases (2009–2023)

In 2009, Vain's debut album No Respect received a remastered through BGO Records, including bonus material that reignited interest among enthusiasts and prompted a series of U.S. tours to capitalize on the renewed buzz. The re-release highlighted the band's raw, sleazy edge, drawing comparisons to contemporaries like while underscoring their cult status in the Bay Area scene. This effort marked the beginning of Vain's structured revival, shifting from sporadic independent output to more consistent visibility in the glam and circuits. The band's momentum continued with the 2011 release of Enough Rope on Jackie Rainbow Records, an album that showcased evolved songwriting blending their signature hooks with introspective themes of resilience and excess. Standout tracks like "Greener" and "Triple X" exemplified matured riffs and Davy Vain's charismatic vocals, earning praise for maintaining the group's punk-infused energy without succumbing to trends. Critics noted the record's cohesion, with Metal Temple describing it as a "solid and thick" return to form that honored their roots while appealing to modern listeners. By 2015, the lineup had stabilized, with guitarist Danny West rejoining after a period away since the mid-1990s, complementing the consistent rhythm contributions of (now Dylana Nova Scott since ), who had anchored the band since its early days. This core configuration fueled high-profile appearances, including their performance on the 2016 Cruise alongside acts like Tesla and , which further solidified Vain's reputation in the community. The event highlighted their enduring stage presence and set the stage for subsequent releases. In 2017, Vain delivered Rolling with the Punches, produced by frontman Davy Vain, emphasizing infectious choruses and intricate guitar solos that bridged classic with contemporary sensibilities. Tracks such as "Turn to Sand" and the title cut were lauded for their emotional depth and sonic polish, with Louder Sound calling it a "throbbing glam/sleaze/melodic rock ." The album received strong retrospective acclaim, positioning Vain as a vital link between excess and 21st-century revivalism in the genre. The in 2020 forced a temporary hiatus from live performances, but Vain adapted by focusing on digital promotion and archival content, sustaining fan engagement amid industry-wide disruptions. Throughout the period, critical retrospectives increasingly celebrated the band's ability to evolve while preserving their gritty, hook-driven sound, as evidenced in analyses from outlets like The Rockpit, which highlighted their influence on subsequent acts.

Recent album and tours (2024–present)

In 2024, Vain released their eighth studio , Disintegrate Together, on May 1 via Jackie Rainbow Records. The was preceded by the announcement of a campaign in 2024, building anticipation among fans. Key singles included "Cold Like Snow," which captured the band's signature sleazy vibe with its hypnotic chorus and guitar stabs, and the title track "Disintegrate Together," emphasizing themes of enduring bonds amid chaos. Produced and mixed by frontman Davy Vain, the record features an organic, hotter sound compared to prior releases, blending nostalgia for the band's with reflections on in rock, personal relationships fraught with and danger, and the resilience required to persist in the genre. The album received positive critical reception for successfully merging Vain's classic energy with fresh, dynamic production that avoids sounding dated. Reviewers praised its timeless quality, with ratings as high as 9.5/10, highlighting standout tracks like "You Better Keep an Eye on " for their infectious riffs and vocal delivery, and noting the band's 35-year legacy as a driving force behind the work's appeal. This release contributed to a boost in the band's streaming presence, with monthly listeners on platforms like reaching around 45,000 by late 2024, signaling renewed interest in their catalog. Following the album's launch, Vain embarked on a series of U.S. tour dates in 2024 and 2025, maintaining their current lineup with no major changes. Highlights included a performance at the Grand Rocktember Music Festival on September 7, 2024, in , , where they delivered sets featuring classics like "No Respect" alongside new material. The band continued with a Las Vegas residency show at Vamps on May 30, 2025, and an appearance at the Free Your Mind Festival on June 7, 2025. Additional U.S. dates, such as a September 19, 2025, gig supported by , underscored their active touring schedule. Looking ahead, Vain announced plans for a 2025 European tour, including stops in the UK such as , , and in March.

Musical style and influences

Core sound and glam metal roots

Vain's foundational musical identity is firmly rooted in the genre of the , characterized by a sleazy, anthemic style that emerged from the scene. Drawing from the raw energy of local traditions amid the thrash-heavy environment, the band's sound incorporates gritty punk influences and a harder edge than many contemporaries, often described as a "ferocious slug-fest of gritty glam-metal with a surprising twist of goth and plenty of punk venom." This core aesthetic prioritizes high-tension riffs and driving rhythms, setting Vain apart as rougher around the edges compared to more polished hair metal acts. Central to their sonic signature are Davy Vain's distinctive raspy, high-pitched vocals, which deliver a hypnotic and original presence evoking the intensity of early frontmen, complemented by the fast-paced, dual guitar work of Danny West and James Scott that emphasizes harmonies and aggressive riffs. Ashley Mitchell's bass lines provide driving grooves that underpin the band's party-oriented swagger, while the overall arrangement focuses on memorable choruses and verse-driven storytelling to capture a vibey, band-playing feel. Influences from 1970s rock icons like , (particularly the Bon Scott era), Led Zeppelin, and infuse this foundation with a hardness and old-school attitude, blending hedonistic rebellion against the era's more formulaic trends. Lyrically, Vain's early material centers on themes of , street-life defiance, and personal temptation, as exemplified in tracks like "Hot Dog," which celebrates reckless partying, and "Beat the Bullet," a single evoking risky allure and rebellion through lines like "You've got / What you got going makes me feel good." Their production style on debut efforts reflects late-1980s glam conventions with a raw polish—featuring reverb-heavy drums, gang vocals in choruses, and prominent guitar layers—but retains an unrefined ferocity that underscores the band's sleazy roots rather than overproduced sheen. This combination of national influences like early Mötley Crüe and local Bay Area grit helped define Vain's enduring appeal within the landscape.

Evolution across albums

Vain's debut album, No Respect (1989), showcased a glossy yet gritty sound characterized by heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and themes of alienation, setting a foundation in high-tension that distinguished the band from more polished peers like . In the , amid the industry's shift toward , Vain adapted by embracing a rawer indie aesthetic on Move On It (1994) and Fade (1995), stripping away much of the debut's studio gloss for a blues-oriented, subdued vibe with groovy elements while preserving infectious hooks and emotional depth. This evolution reflected lineup changes and the glam scene's decline, allowing the band to maintain authenticity without fully abandoning their melodic core. Entering the 2000s, On the Line (2005) introduced modern production techniques that polished the raw energy of prior works, blending classic glam attitudes with a more contemporary edge to sustain cult appeal during the indie phase. The marked a revival with Enough Rope (2011), which refined themes of maturity through harder, unpolished devoid of glam clichés, emphasizing authentic riffs and raw vocals over sleazy excess. Followed by Rolling with the Punches (2017), the sound further prioritized soaring melodies and anthemic structures, balancing libido-charged sleaze with melodic rock mastery to highlight personal growth amid reunions. In the 2020s, Disintegrate Together (2024) continued this trajectory by delivering guitar-driven with dynamic structures, huge melodies, and evocative lyrics, retaining the essence that defined the band's arc from youthful excess to reflective maturity influenced by genre revivals and enduring lineup dynamics. Overall, Vain's evolution traces a path from the high-gloss hooks of their glam roots to a more introspective, adaptable identity, adapting to industry upheavals while consistently delivering emotional, riff-heavy songs.

Band members

Current members

The current lineup of Vain, as of 2025, consists of its core members who have been instrumental in the band's revival and recent output, including the 2024 album Disintegrate Together and ongoing tours.
  • Davy Vain (lead vocals, guitar, keyboards): Founding member since 1986, serving as the band's primary songwriter, frontman, and creative force throughout its history.
  • Dylana Nova Scott (rhythm guitar; formerly known as Jamie Scott): Founding member since 1986, providing harmonic depth and stability to the guitar section in the band's independent and revival phases.
  • Joel Proto (lead guitar): Joined in 2016, contributing to recent recordings including Disintegrate Together (2024).
  • Ashley Mitchell (bass): Founding member since 1986, anchoring the low-end with melodic bass lines that define Vain's sound across decades.
  • Louie Senor (drums): Joined in 1993, driving the energetic beats in post-original era releases and confirmed active for 2025 shows, such as the Whisky a Go Go headline performance.
This lineup collaborated on Disintegrate Together, with additional contributions from guests like Tom Rickard on drums, but the above members form the active touring and recording core.

Former members

Danny West co-founded Vain in 1986 as the band's lead , serving intermittently through 2015 and playing a key role in shaping the group's signature dual-guitar attack. His contributions included tight harmonies and riff work that defined the early sound on albums such as No Respect (1989). West left following periods of lineup flux amid creative differences. Tom Rickard joined as the original in 1986 and remained through 1993, delivering a powerful, driving style that infused high energy into Vain's live performances and recordings, particularly the raw propulsion heard on No Respect. As a Bay Area native, his tenure coincided with the band's initial rise and label challenges, but he departed after the 1991 hiatus primarily for family reasons, though he briefly returned in 1995 for select sessions and tours and contributed to the 2024 album Disintegrate Together as a guest.

Discography

Studio albums

Vain's debut studio album, No Respect, was released on July 24, 1989, by and consists of 10 tracks. The album peaked at No. 154 on the chart. The band's follow-up, All Those Strangers, was recorded in 1991 but shelved by until its official release on July 25, 2009, via Jackie Rainbow Records; it features 11 tracks and has developed a for its raw, unpolished energy. Move On It, released in 1994 by Polystar, contains 11 tracks. Fade, issued in 1995 by Polystar primarily for the Japanese market, includes 10 tracks. On the Line, a 2005 comeback effort released by Perris Records, contains 11 tracks and reflects a more refined production style. Enough Rope, released on October 26, 2011, by Jackie Rainbow Records, comprises 10 tracks that delve into more mature lyrical themes. Rolling with the Punches, the group's 2017 outing on Jackie Rainbow Records, features 10 tracks. The most recent studio album, Disintegrate Together, arrived on May 1, 2024, via Jackie Rainbow Records with 10 tracks emphasizing introspective lyrics. Only No Respect charted on the ; the band's subsequent independent releases have garnered growing attention through digital streaming platforms.

Compilation albums and EPs

Vain's non-studio releases are limited, consisting primarily of promotional singles, demo collections, live footage compilations, and reissues of their debut with bonus material. These efforts have served to preserve the band's early material and provide archival value for fans, particularly during periods of and independent output. The band issued the Beat the Bullet promotional single in 1989 on , featuring the title track alongside B-sides that highlighted their sound during the debut era. In 2011, Vain released Official Bootlegs 1989-1995 through Jackie Rainbow Records, a DVD compilation capturing live performances from their initial active years, offering fans a glimpse into their stage energy and setlists from the late and early . Reissues have been a key way to revisit core material, with the 2009 remastered edition of No Respect on BGO Records expanding the original 1989 album with three bonus tracks: "Beat the Bullet," "Who's Watching You," and "1000 Degrees," drawn from singles and outtakes to enhance its archival appeal. Demo compilations have also surfaced independently, such as the 1986 Laws Against Love Demo cassette and later unofficial collections like Demos 1988-89 and Demos 1988-93, which compile early unreleased recordings for collectors seeking transitional material from the band's formative period.

References

  1. https://www.discogs.com/artist/342344-Vain
  2. https://www.digmeoutpodcast.com/p/vain-history-of-the-band
  3. https://www.classicrockhistory.com/complete-list-of-vain-albums-and-discography/
  4. https://www.discogs.com/master/988556-Vain-All-Those-Strangers
  5. https://sleazeroxx.com/interviews/davy-vain-interview/
  6. http://lesliesmetal-page.blogspot.com/2010/05/vain-tommy-rickard.html
  7. https://www.allmusic.com/album/no-respect-mw0000653936
  8. https://www.discogs.com/release/2352218-Vain-No-Respect
  9. https://www.loudersound.com/features/flash-metal-suicide-vain
  10. https://www.last.fm/music/Vain/No%2BRespect
  11. https://we-live.agency/artist/vain
  12. https://www.spirit-of-metal.com/en/band/Vain
  13. https://www.discogs.com/release/6337229-Vain-Move-On-It
  14. https://www.discogs.com/master/761933-Vain-Move-On-It
  15. https://www.discogs.com/master/566878-Vain-Fade
  16. https://music.apple.com/us/album/fade/1844992583
  17. https://heavyharmonies.com/cgi-bin/glamcd.cgi?BandNum=324&CDName=Fade
  18. https://blabbermouth.net/news/vain-new-album-to-receive-u-s-release-via-perris
  19. https://www.discogs.com/release/8368176-Vain-No-Respect
  20. https://hardrockhaven.net/archives/2011/11/vain-enough-rope/
  21. https://metal-temple.com/review/vain-enough-rope/
  22. https://www.therockpit.net/2015/interview-davy-vain/
  23. https://vvforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=8008
  24. https://www.loudersound.com/reviews/vain-rolling-with-the-punches-album-review
  25. https://www.therockpit.net/2017/album-review-vain-rolling-with-the-punches/
  26. https://www.therockpit.net/2019/10-years-of-the-rockpit-vintage-interview-davy-vain-vain-2011/
  27. https://cgcmrockradio.com/vain-disintegrate-together-may-1-2024/
  28. https://www.therockpit.net/2024/album-review-vain-disintegrate-together/
  29. https://rockposer.com/2024/04/15/vain-set-to-release-new-album-disintegrate-together-on-may-1st/
  30. https://maximumvolumemusic.com/review-vain-disintegrate-together-2024/
  31. https://open.spotify.com/artist/39XQ9FqK0i41b2QoKmGP4I
  32. https://houseofprog.com/vain-disintegrate-together-2024/
  33. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/vain/2024/grand-casino-amphitheater-hinckley-mn-7babd21c.html
  34. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHgUBXcj-BQ
  35. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/vain
  36. https://www.ents24.com/uk/tour-dates/vain
  37. https://www.themetalchannel.com/album-reviews/vain-no-respect/
  38. https://www.decibelgeek.com/vain-rolling-punches-march-24-2017/
  39. https://rantnravewithjohn.wordpress.com/2009/01/27/the-hair-metal-files-vain/
  40. https://genius.com/Vain-beat-the-bullet-lyrics
  41. https://www.mediasurfer.ch/2020/02/vain-move-on-it-1994.html
  42. https://www.metalexpressradio.com/2005/05/21/vain-on-the-line/
  43. https://www.seaoftranquility.org/reviews.php?op=showcontent&id=11641
  44. https://sleazeroxx.com/reviews/vain-rolling-with-the-punches/
  45. https://sleazeroxx.com/vain-to-release-new-studio-album-disintegrate-together-on-may-1st/
  46. https://www.theaudiodb.com/artist/119502-Vain
  47. https://www.metalkingdom.net/band/vain-12385
  48. https://rateyourmusic.com/artist/vain
  49. https://www.instagram.com/salamilouie/
  50. https://www.discogs.com/release/3219134-Vain-Move-On-It
  51. https://www.discogs.com/release/4730805-Vain-All-Those-Strangers
  52. https://sleazeroxx.com/reviews/vain-all-those-strangers/
  53. https://www.discogs.com/release/4928312-Vain-Fade
  54. https://www.discogs.com/release/3219142-Vain-On-The-Line
  55. https://www.discogs.com/release/4081738-Vain-Enough-Rope
  56. https://www.discogs.com/release/10360790-Vain-Rolling-With-The-Punches
  57. https://www.discogs.com/release/29783626-Vain-Disintegrate-Together
  58. https://www.discogs.com/release/2920287-Vain-Beat-The-Bullet
  59. https://www.amazon.com/Vain-No-Respect/dp/B0025AY47S
  60. https://www.discogs.com/release/23902805-Vain-Demos-1988-93
  61. https://www.discogs.com/artist/342344-Vain#releases
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