Community hub
0 subscribers8 pages, 0 posts
Recent from talks
All channels
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Contribute something
Welcome to the community hub built to collect knowledge and have discussions related to Vanity Fare.
Nothing was collected or created yet.
Vanity Fare
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Vanity Fare[A] are an English pop/rock group formed in 1966. They released the million-selling song "Hitchin' a Ride", which became a worldwide hit in 1970.[1]
Key Information
Career
[edit]Formation
[edit]School friends Trevor Brice (born 12 February 1945, Rochester, Kent, England) (vocals), Tony Goulden (born Anthony Goulden, 21 November 1942, Rochester) (guitar), Dick Allix (born Richard Allix, 3 May 1945, Gravesend, Kent) (drums), and Tony Jarrett (born Anthony Jarrett, 4 September 1943, in Rochester, Kent) (bass) formed the band in Kent in 1966, originally calling themselves The Avengers. Under that name, with Lee Fairbrother, Willum (born 15 July 1948, in Chatham, Kent (drums) [1964-68], they recorded a number of demos, including "Marianne", with record producer Joe Meek, but none were ever released. After that, they changed their name to The Sages and had one 45 single release on the RCA Victor label (47–8760), with "In The Beginning" on the A side and "I'm Not Going To Cry" on the B side. They played local clubs and were spotted by entrepreneur Roger Easterby, who became their manager and producer. Having changed the name of the band to Vanity Fare (Dick Allix, taking over the sticks from Lee Fairbrother in 1968), after the novel Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray, they signed to Larry Page's Page One Records.
Success
[edit]In mid 1968, Vanity Fare achieved a UK hit single with their first release, a cover of "I Live for the Sun", originally recorded in 1965 by the California group The Sunrays.[1]
Following two more singles, "Summer Morning" and "Highway of Dreams," both of which failed to make the UK Singles Chart, they released their biggest UK hit, "Early in the Morning". Written by Mike Leander and Eddie Seago, it reached number 8 in that country in August 1969,[1] number 12 in the US, and number 10 in Canada[2] in early 1970. It sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc.[3]
For their next release, "Hitchin' a Ride", they added keyboardist Barry Landeman (born 25 October 1947, Woodbridge, Suffolk, England), formerly of Kippington Lodge, to the group. "Hitchin' A Ride", written by Peter Callander and Mitch Murray, gave them a second million-selling hit,[3] reaching No. 16 in the UK (January 1970), No. 1 for two weeks each on Chicago radio stations WCFL (May 1970) and WLS (June 1970), No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 (June–July 1970), and No. 3 in Canada.[4]
The hit was preceded by a tour of the United States, following which both Dick Allix and Tony Goulden left the band and were replaced by guitarist and singer Eddie Wheeler and drummer Mark Ellen (died 18 February 2021).[5]
Two more singles followed before the end of 1970: Mike Leander and Eddie Seago's "Come Tomorrow" and Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway's "Carolina's Coming Home", both of which failed to dent the charts on either side of the Atlantic. In addition, a belated US release of "Summer Morning" reached only No. 98, for two weeks.
Over the next couple of years more singles were released, including Tony Macaulay's "Better By Far" on DJM Records in 1972, but none of them entered the charts. Following that, they decided to concentrate on live performances, touring Europe, where they were generating hit singles.
Line-up changes
[edit]From the mid-1970s, amid many band member changes – including the departure of Jarrett, who was replaced by Bernie Hagley – the group recorded only sporadically. Trevor Brice left in 1979.[6] Following Brice's departure, none of the founding members were still in the band.
Later years
[edit]In 1986, they competed to represent the UK in the Eurovision Song Contest, finishing third in the UK heat of A Song for Europe with the song "Dreamer", featuring Jimmy Cassidy on vocals and Phil Kitto on keyboards, alongside long-time members Eddie Wheeler and Bernie Hagley.
On 18 February 2005, original members Trevor Brice, Tony Goulden, Tony Jarrett, and Barry Landeman performed a one-off reunion gig at the Rainham Mark Social Club in Kent.[7]
In 2007, they toured alongside P. J. Proby. In August 2015, after having played with the band for 45 years, drummer Mark Ellen retired and was replaced by Howard Tibble. In 2018, Graham Walker, from the Gary Moore Band, took over on drums.
Vanity Fare are still performing today, with the line-up of Hagley, Wheeler, Walker, and Steve Oakman. Wheeler and Hagley have taken up lead vocal duties. In his spare time, Brice sings second tenor with the City of Bath Male Choir, which reached the final of BBC One's Last Choir Standing. His son, Sebastian Brice, is part of the alt/rock band Avius.
Since 2021, Wheeler has also been a member of The Tremeloes.
The group's former drummer and PDC co-founder Dick Allix died on 14 March 2024 at the age of 78.[8]
Members
[edit]Classic line-up
- Trevor Brice - Lead vocals (1966–1979[6])
- Tony Goulden - Guitar (1966–1970)
- Tony Jarrett - Bass (1966–1974)
- Barry Landeman - Keyboards (1970–mid-1970s)
- Dick Allix - Drums (1968–1970)
Current
- Eddie Wheeler - Guitar, lead vocals (1970–present)
- Bernie Hagley - Bass, lead vocals (1974–present)
- Steve Oakman - Keyboard (2001–present)
- Graham Walker - Drums (2018–present)
Former
- Trevor Brice - Lead vocals (1966–1979[6])
- Brian Johnson - Lead vocals (1979–1980s)
- Jimmy Cassidy - Lead vocals (1980s–1990s
- Tony Goulden - Guitar (1966–1970)
- Tony Jarrett - Bass (1966–1974)
- Lee "Willum" Fairbrother - Drums (1964-68)
- Derek Burgess - Bass (1974)
- Barry Landeman - Keyboard (1970–1974)
- Phil Kitto - Keyboard (1974–1990s)
- Kev Thompson - Keyboard (1990s–2001)
- Dick Allix - Drums (1968–1970; died 2024)
- Mark Ellen - Drums (1970–2015; died 2021)
- Howard Tibble - Drums (2015–2018[6])
Timeline
[edit]
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]- The Sun. The Wind. And Other Things (1968)
- Early in the Morning (1970)
Compilation albums
[edit]- Coming Home (1970)
- Vanity Fare (1981)
- Beach Party (1988)
- Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow (1994)
- The Best of Vanity Fare (2004)
- Hitchin' a Ride (2013)
- I Live for the Sun: Complete Recordings 1966–76 (2015)
Singles
[edit]| Year | Single | Peak chart positions | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUS [9][10] |
CAN [11][12][13] |
GER [14] |
IRE [15] |
NL [16] |
NZ [17] |
SA [18] |
SWI [19] |
UK [20] |
US [21] |
US AC [21] | ||
| 1968 | "I Live for the Sun" | 76 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 20 | — | — |
| "(I Remember) Summer Morning" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 1969 | "Highway of Dreams" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| "Early in the Morning" | 25 | 10 | 26 | 15 | 33 | 14 | — | 6 | 8 | 12 | 4 | |
| "Hitchin' a Ride" | 24 | 3 | — | — | — | — | 2 | — | 16 | 5 | 22 | |
| 1970 | "Come Tomorrow" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| "(I Remember) Summer Morning" (US and Canada Release) | — | 62 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 98 | 22 | |
| "Carolina's Coming Home" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 1971 | "Where Did All the Good Times Go" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| "Better by Far" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 54[B] | — | — | |
| "Our Own Way of Living" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 1972 | "The Big Parade" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| "I'm in Love with the World" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| "Rock and Roll Is Back" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
| 1973 | "Take It, Shake It, Break My Heart" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 1974 | "Fast Running Out of World" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 1977 | "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 1980 | "Stay" (EP) | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 1986 | "Dreamer" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| 1993 | "Rain" | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released | ||||||||||||
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 582. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Singles - January 31, 1970" (PDF). Collectionscanada.gc.ca.
- ^ a b Murrells, Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Barrie and Jenkins Ltd. pp. 269 & 287. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.
- ^ "RPM Top 100 Singles - June 27, 1970" (PDF). Collectionscanada.gc.ca.
- ^ McPolin, Sean (21 February 2021). "Tributes paid to Sheerness councillor and Vanity Fare drummer Mark Ellen after sudden death". Kentonline.co.uk. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
- ^ a b c d "Vanity Fare". Vanityfare.co.uk. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
- ^ Vanity Fare reunion in 2005.wmv. 28 May 2011. Retrieved 4 June 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "PDC co-founder Dick Allix passes away". Pdc.tv. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
- ^ "Every AMR Top 100 Single in 1968". Top100singles.net. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ "Every AMR Top 100 Single in 1969". Top100singles.net. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ Canada, Library and Archives (17 July 2013). "Image : RPM Weekly". Bac-lac.gc.ca. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ "Image : RPM Weekly - Library and Archives Canada". Bac-lac.gc.ca. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ "Image : RPM Weekly". Bac-lac.gc.ca. 17 July 2013. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ "Suche - Offizielle Deutsche Charts". Offiziellecharts.de. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ "The Irish Charts - All there is to know". Irishcharts.ie. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ "Dutch Top 40 (Nederlandse Top 40)". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved 3 September 2023.
- ^ "flavour of new zealand - search listener". Flavourofnz.co.nz. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ "South African Rock Lists Website - SA Charts 1969 - 1989 Acts (V)". Rock.co.za. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ "Die Offizielle Schweizer Hitparade - hitparade.ch". Swisscharts.com. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ "VANITY FARE | full Official Chart History". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ a b "Vanity Fare Songs • Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography • Music VF, US & UK hits charts". Musicvf.com. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
External links
[edit]- Band's official website
- Vanity Fare at Allmusic
- Vanity Fare discography at Discogs
| National | |
|---|---|
| Artists | |
Vanity Fare
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
History
Formation
Vanity Fare originated in Kent, England, where school friends Trevor Brice (lead vocals), Tony Goulden (guitar), Tony Jarrett (bass), and Dick Allix (drums) formed the band in 1966 under the name The Avengers.[4][5] The group began performing at local clubs in the Kent area, building a regional following through covers and original material.[5] These early appearances caught the attention of local entrepreneur Roger Easterby, who became their manager and producer.[5][6] In 1968, the band renamed itself Vanity Fare, drawing inspiration from William Makepeace Thackeray's 1848 novel Vanity Fair but altering the spelling slightly for distinction.[4][5][6] Under Easterby's guidance, Vanity Fare secured a recording contract with Page One Records that same year.[5][6]Early success
Vanity Fare achieved their initial breakthrough in the summer of 1968 with the release of their debut single, a cover of "I Live for the Sun," originally recorded by the Sunrays in 1965.[5] Issued on Page One Records (POF 075), the track peaked at number 20 on the UK Singles Chart, marking the band's first commercial success amid the dominant rock trends of the era.[7][8] This sunny, harmony-driven pop song established their signature sound of melodic, light-hearted tunes.[5] The success of "I Live for the Sun" propelled the band into promotional activities across the UK, including television appearances and concert tours that capitalized on their growing popularity.[2] Follow-up singles "(I Remember) Summer Morning" (POF 100) and "Highway of Dreams" (POF 117), released later in 1968 and early 1969 respectively, continued to build their profile through similar upbeat pop arrangements, though neither reached the charts.[9][10] These releases, backed by tracks like "Betty Carter" and "Waiting for the Nightfall," reinforced their emerging style while sustaining domestic momentum.[11] The debut single also saw a US release on Page One, introducing Vanity Fare to American audiences and garnering early radio airplay that hinted at their potential for international appeal.[12] This transatlantic exposure laid the groundwork for broader recognition, as the band's polished harmonies began attracting interest beyond the UK.[5]Major hits and peak
Vanity Fare reached their commercial zenith in 1969 and 1970, propelled by two major international singles that showcased their harmonious pop-rock sound. Their breakthrough hit, "Early in the Morning," written by Mike Leander and Eddie Seago, was released on June 20, 1969, and climbed to number 8 on the UK Singles Chart.[13] In the United States, the track peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1970, earning a gold disc for sales exceeding one million copies.[14] This success contributed to the release of their second album, Early in the Morning (1970), while their debut The Sun, the Wind and Other Things (1969) included earlier tracks like "I Live for the Sun" and "Hitchin' a Ride," helping to establish the band's presence in the late-1960s pop scene.[15] Building on this momentum, Vanity Fare followed with "Hitchin' a Ride," penned by Mitch Murray and Peter Callander and issued in late 1969. The song achieved number 16 on the UK Singles Chart in February 1970 while reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in June of that year, ranking as the 14th best-selling single of 1970 in the US. It also sold over one million copies in the United States alone, securing another gold disc certification.[16] The track's infectious melody and upbeat narrative contributed to the band's second album, Early in the Morning, released in 1970, which included both major hits and further solidified their chart dominance during this period.[17] Amid these releases, Vanity Fare embarked on extensive touring across the US and Europe in 1969 and 1970, performing to capitalize on their growing popularity and connecting with international audiences through live shows.[18] They also made notable television appearances, including multiple performances on the BBC's Top of the Pops—such as episodes on August 28, 1969, for "Early in the Morning," and January 22, 1970, for "Hitchin' a Ride"—which amplified their visibility and helped drive single sales.[19]Line-up changes
Following the success of their 1969 hit "Hitchin' a Ride," Vanity Fare experienced their first major lineup shift in 1970 after an extensive U.S. tour, with guitarist Tony Goulden and drummer Dick Allix departing the group.[6] They were replaced by guitarist Eddie Wheeler, formerly of the Candy Choir, and drummer Mark Ellen from the Canterbury Tales, allowing the band to maintain momentum with vocalist Trevor Brice and bassist Tony Jarrett still in place.[20] This new configuration continued recording for Page One Records, releasing singles like "Where Did All the Good Times Go" in 1971, though without recapturing their earlier chart success.[3] In 1974, bassist Tony Jarrett left Vanity Fare after contributing to the band's core sound since its 1966 formation, and he was succeeded by Bernie Hagley on bass and occasional flute.[21] The group then transitioned to DJM Records in 1971, where the updated lineup—featuring Brice, Wheeler, Ellen, and Hagley—produced tracks such as the 1971 single "Better by Far" (UK #54), a minor hit that highlighted their shift toward more ballad-oriented pop but failed to chart significantly.[6] These changes reflected the band's adaptation to a post-peak era, focusing on cabaret and touring circuits amid declining commercial fortunes.[16] The original lineup fully dissolved in 1979 when lead vocalist Trevor Brice, the longest-serving founding member, departed after 13 years, marking the end of the classic configuration that had defined Vanity Fare's hits.[16] Brice was replaced by Kevin Thompson on vocals, initiating further instability in the 1980s with subsequent shifts, including Thompson giving way to Jimmy Cassidy and later Steve Oakman.[20] Notably, original drummer Dick Allix, who had left in 1970, passed away on March 13, 2024, at age 78.[22]Later years and recent activity
Following their peak in the early 1970s, Vanity Fare shifted focus toward live performances, particularly on the European circuit, where they maintained a steady presence throughout the 1970s and into the 1980s and 1990s. The band toured extensively across the continent, capitalizing on their lingering popularity from hits like "Hitchin' a Ride" to perform at clubs, theaters, and festivals in countries including Germany, the Netherlands, and France. This emphasis on live work sustained their career amid declining chart success, allowing them to connect with nostalgic audiences through harmonic pop-rock sets.[23] In 1986, Vanity Fare made a notable attempt at a comeback by entering the UK national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. They competed in the A Song for Europe heat with the original track "Dreamer," featuring vocalist Jimmy Cassidy and keyboardist Phil Kitto alongside core members, but finished third overall with 99 points, behind winners The Shortlist and runner-up Ryder. The performance highlighted their enduring vocal style but did not lead to further international breakthroughs.[24] The original lineup reunited briefly in 2005 for a one-off event at the Rainham Mark Social Club in Kent, England, on February 18. This gathering brought together founder members including Trevor Brice, Tony Goulden, and Dick Allix, performing classics like "Better by Far" to an intimate crowd of fans and locals, marking a rare nostalgic nod to their 1960s roots without signaling a full revival.[25] The band's later years were marked by significant losses among its members. Drummer Mark Ellen, who joined in 1970 and played until 2015, died suddenly at his home on the Isle of Sheppey on February 18, 2021, at age 72; he was also a local Labour councillor and radio presenter. Original drummer Dick Allix, a co-founder who contributed to their early hits before leaving in 1970, passed away on March 13, 2024, at age 78, after a career that extended into darts promotion.[26][27][28] As of 2025, Vanity Fare remains active on the road, participating in the Sensational 60s Experience package tour alongside acts like The Fortunes, The Trems, and Mike d'Abo. The tour, which features multi-act nostalgia shows across UK venues such as Fareham Live and Lowestoft Theatre, emphasizes their classic repertoire without any new studio material since the 1970s. This ongoing commitment to live performances underscores their role in preserving 1960s pop heritage for contemporary audiences.[29][30]Members
Current members
The current lineup of Vanity Fare, as of 2025, consists of Eddie Wheeler on lead guitar and vocals, Bernie Hagley on bass guitar, flute, and vocals, Steve Oakman on keyboards, guitars, and vocals, and Graham Walker on drums.[2] Eddie Wheeler has served as the band's longest-standing member since 1970, anchoring its continuity through decades of changes.[31] Bernie Hagley, another veteran since the mid-1970s, contributes to the group's signature harmonies and multi-instrumental sound.[32] Steve Oakman joined in 2001, bringing additional guitar and keyboard expertise to enhance their live performances.[2] Graham Walker, formerly the drummer for Gary Moore, came on board in 2017 to handle percussion duties.[2] This quartet has been active in recent tours and festival appearances, including the Sensational 60s Experience tour across the UK in 2025, where they perform their classic hits alongside covers from the era.[33] Their shows emphasize tight vocal harmonies and musicianship honed over years of 1960s and 1970s revival events in Britain and Europe.[2]Former members
Tony Goulden served as the original guitarist for Vanity Fare from the band's formation in 1966 until 1970, contributing to their early singles and the breakthrough hit "Early in the Morning."[5][20] He departed following the group's first U.S. tour, after which the band underwent significant lineup shifts.[34] Tony Jarrett was the bassist from 1966 to 1974, playing a key role in the rhythm section during Vanity Fare's initial success with Page One Records, including the chart-topping tracks "I Live for the Sun" and "Hitchin' a Ride."[21][20] He left in 1974, replaced by Bernie Hagley.[5] Trevor Brice, a founding member, handled lead vocals from 1966 to 1979, providing the distinctive harmonies that defined the band's pop sound during their peak years with hits like "Hitchin' a Ride," which reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.[2][34] After leaving the group, he continued performing with the City of Bath Male Choir.[20] Dick Allix played drums for Vanity Fare from 1966 to 1970, anchoring the original lineup through their major U.S. breakthrough and contributing to the band's live performances during the late 1960s.[5][35] Post-band, he co-founded the Professional Darts Corporation in 1992 and remained involved in the sport until his death on March 13, 2024, at age 78.[28][36] Jimmy Cassidy joined as lead vocalist in the late 1970s, succeeding Brice and helping maintain the band's touring presence into the 1980s amid further roster adjustments.[20][2] Barry Landeman served as keyboardist from 1969 to the mid-1970s, expanding the band's sound for hits like "Hitchin' a Ride."[37] Phil Kitto joined in 1979 as lead vocalist and keyboardist, replacing Brice, and remained until the early 1980s.[5] Kevin Thompson took over lead vocals in the mid-1980s, fronting the group for recordings like the 1986 single "Dreamer" and continuing until around 2001.[20][38] Mark Ellen initially joined in 1970 as guitarist and backing vocalist, replacing Goulden, before shifting to drums in 1970 after Allix's departure; he remained with Vanity Fare until his retirement in 2015, spanning over four decades.[39][26] Outside music, Ellen served as a Labour councillor for Sheerness on the Isle of Sheppey until his sudden death on February 18, 2021, at age 72.[27][26] Howard Tibble played drums from 2015 to 2017, replacing Mark Ellen.[2]Timeline
Vanity Fare was formed in 1966 in Kent, England, by school friends Trevor Brice on vocals, Tony Goulden on guitar, Tony Jarrett on bass, and Dick Allix on drums, marking the original lineup that remained stable until 1970.[5][20]- 1969: Keyboardist Barry Landeman joined the band, expanding the group to a quintet ahead of their major hit recordings.[40]
- Early 1970: Following a U.S. tour, guitarist Tony Goulden and drummer Dick Allix departed; they were replaced by guitarist Eddie Wheeler and drummer Mark Ellen, establishing a core lineup with Brice, Jarrett, Landeman, Wheeler, and Ellen that lasted until the mid-1970s.[5][40]
- 1974: Bassist Tony Jarrett left the band and was replaced by Bernie Hagley.[21]
- 1979: Lead vocalist Trevor Brice departed after 13 years; he was succeeded by Phil Kitto, who also handled keyboards following Landeman's earlier exit.[2][41]
- Early 1980s: Phil Kitto left, with vocalist Kevin Thompson joining to maintain the band's touring presence alongside Hagley, Wheeler, and Ellen.[38]
- 2001: Keyboardist and vocalist Steve Oakman joined, replacing Thompson and contributing to a period of stability with Hagley, Wheeler, and Ellen through the 2010s.[2][38]
- August 2015: Longtime drummer Mark Ellen retired after 45 years; Howard Tibble took over on drums.[40]
- 2017: Drummer Graham Walker, formerly of the Gary Moore Band, assumed the role for most performances, solidifying the current core of Oakman, Wheeler, and Walker, with Hagley on bass.[40][42]
Artistry
Musical style
Vanity Fare's primary genre is sunshine pop, characterized by rich harmony vocals, baroque influences, and upbeat rhythms that evoke a lighthearted, optimistic vibe typical of late-1960s British pop.[43] Their sound often features layered vocal arrangements reminiscent of groups like the Beach Boys, blended with intricate melodic structures that incorporate classical string elements for a touch of sophistication.[43] This style positioned them within the broader British Invasion wave, emphasizing catchy hooks and polished production over raw rock energy.[43] The band's production was largely handled by Des Champ, often in collaboration with Roger Easterby, who shaped their recordings with a focus on clean, radio-friendly arrangements.[44] Songwriting for their major hits came from the team of Mitch Murray and Peter Callander, whose compositions emphasized simple, memorable lyrics paired with buoyant melodies that amplified the group's harmonic strengths.[45] By 1970, Vanity Fare shifted from an earlier folk-rock orientation to a more overtly bubblegum pop aesthetic, incorporating sweeter, more commercial elements to align with evolving pop trends.[43] In tracks like "Hitchin' a Ride," their harmonic arrangements shine through multi-part vocals that build dynamically, supported by orchestral touches such as strings and brass to add depth and grandeur.[46] These production choices created a lush, enveloping sound that contrasted with the era's heavier rock influences, highlighting Vanity Fare's commitment to melodic accessibility and vocal interplay.[46]Influences and legacy
Vanity Fare drew inspiration from the British Invasion era, with drummer Mark Ellen bringing a rock-oriented style influenced by his prior work with bands such as The Who, The Small Faces, and The Kinks.[18] This foundation helped shape their pop/rock sound, incorporating elements of the upbeat, harmony-driven pop that defined late-1960s British acts.[18] The band's enduring legacy is most evident through their signature hit "Hitchin' a Ride," which has been covered by numerous artists, extending its reach across genres and decades. British group Paper Lace released a version titled "Hitchin' a Ride '74" in 1974, which peaked at number 55 on the UK Singles Chart's Breakers List and number 16 in New Zealand. Other notable covers include those by Björn Skifs in 1970 and Sinitta in 1989.[47] The song has also appeared in media, including an episode of the TV series "Girls" in 2012.[48] Vanity Fare's music has maintained a strong presence in 1960s nostalgia revivals, with the band continuing to perform on the oldies circuit, often alongside contemporaries like Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits and Brian Poole of The Tremeloes.[18] This ongoing activity underscores their cultural impact as representatives of the era's lighthearted pop, appealing to audiences seeking revival of British Invasion-era sounds. In the 2020s, "Hitchin' a Ride" has experienced a resurgence on streaming platforms and social media, fueled by nostalgic TikTok videos and playlists that highlight 1960s and 1970s hits, introducing the track to younger listeners.Discography
Studio albums
Vanity Fare released their debut studio album, The Sun, the Wind and Other Things, in 1968 on Page One Records.[49] The record comprised 12 tracks blending original compositions with covers, highlighting the band's sunny pop rock harmonies and influences from British Invasion sounds.[50] Key inclusions were their version of "I Live for the Sun," which peaked at number 20 on the UK Singles Chart, alongside "Music Music Music," "In My Lonely Room," and a rendition of "Four Strong Winds."[51] Although the album itself did not chart prominently, it marked the group's entry into the recording market and laid the foundation for their emerging style of lighthearted, melodic pop.[52] The band's sophomore effort, Early in the Morning, arrived in 1970, again via Page One Records.[17] This 11-track collection built on their debut with more polished production, featuring upbeat tracks that emphasized catchy hooks and vocal interplay.[53] Standouts included the title song "Early in the Morning," reaching number 8 on the UK Singles Chart and number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, and "Hitchin' a Ride," which climbed to number 16 in the UK and number 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[51][54][55] Other notable songs were "Man Child" and "Highway of Dreams," contributing to the album's reception as a vehicle for the group's breakthrough hits, though it too evaded major album chart placements.[56]Compilation albums
Vanity Fare's compilation albums emerged in the decades following the band's active recording period, curating their hits and deeper cuts for retrospective audiences. These releases often drew from their original studio output on labels like Page One and Bell Records, repackaging tracks such as "Hitchin' a Ride" and "Early in the Morning" alongside lesser-known material. One of the earliest notable compilations, The Best of Vanity Fare, was issued in 2004 by Repertoire Records as a 26-track anthology spanning the band's pop and sunshine hits from the late 1960s and early 1970s. This collection highlights their bubblegum and harmony-driven sound, including key singles like "I Live for the Sun" and "Come Tomorrow," and serves as an accessible entry point for fans rediscovering their work. The album's extended runtime of over 78 minutes allows for a comprehensive overview without delving into rarities.[57] In 2015, Cherry Red's RPM imprint released I Live for the Sun: Complete Recordings 1966-76, a definitive 2-CD set compiling nearly 50 tracks from the band's Page One, DJM, Philips, and Polydor eras. This anthology includes all major hits, B-sides, and rarities such as the pre-Vanity Fare single by their earlier incarnation The Sages on RCA Victor, as well as 1977 German-exclusive releases and solo efforts by vocalist Trevor Brice from 1976. Accompanied by a 16-page booklet with liner notes by band member Tony Gould and remastering by Simon Murphy, it provides essential context on their evolution from harmony pop to more experimental fare.[6][58] Digital platforms saw the arrival of Vanity Fare (Hitchin' a Ride) [The Original Hits] in 2011, a 31-track collection emphasizing their core singles and album favorites, clocking in at approximately 92 minutes. Released primarily for streaming and download services, it focuses on original recordings without additional rarities, making it a streamlined option for modern listeners. By the 2020s, Vanity Fare's compilations, including this one, remain widely available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, ensuring ongoing accessibility for new generations.[59]Singles
Vanity Fare's singles career began in 1968 with "I Live for the Sun", a cover of the Sunrays' 1965 track, which peaked at number 20 on the UK Singles Chart and spent nine weeks in the Top 75.[51] The band followed with a string of releases on Page One Records, achieving their commercial peak in 1969–1970. "Early in the Morning", backed by "You Made Me Love You" in the UK (or "Carolina's Coming Home" in the US), reached number 8 in the UK and number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100, marking their first transatlantic success.[51] "Hitchin' a Ride", with B-side "Man Child", became their biggest hit, climbing to number 16 in the UK and number 5 in the US, where it sold over a million copies.[51] Subsequent singles like "(I Remember) Summer Morning" (backed by "Come Tomorrow" in the US) charted modestly at number 98 on the US Billboard Hot 100 but failed to replicate earlier success in the UK. After switching to DJM Records in 1971, releases such as "Our Own Way of Living" and "The Big Parade" targeted European markets without significant chart impact. The band continued issuing singles into the late 1970s on Philips, including non-charting efforts like "Rock and Roll Is Back" and "Take It, Shake It, Break My Heart". International variations appeared in regions like Australia and Latin America, often with localized B-sides or EP formats. In 1986, Vanity Fare returned with "Dreamer" / "Win or Lose" for the BBC's A Song for Europe contest, finishing third but not advancing to Eurovision; it did not chart.[60]| Year | A-Side | B-Side | Label | UK Peak | US Peak (Billboard Hot 100) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1968 | I Live for the Sun | On the Other Side of Life | Page One | 20 | - |
| 1968 | (I Remember) Summer Morning | - | Page One | - | - |
| 1969 | Highway of Dreams | Waiting for the Nightfall | Page One | - | - |
| 1969 | Early in the Morning | You Made Me Love You (UK) / Carolina's Coming Home (US) | Page One | 8 | 12 |
| 1969 | Hitchin' a Ride | Man Child | Page One | 16 | 5 |
| 1970 | Come Tomorrow | - | Page One | - | - |
| 1970 | Carolina's Comin' Home | - | Page One | - | - |
| 1971 | Where Did All the Good Times Go | - | DJM | - | - |
| 1971 | Better by Far | - | DJM | 54 | - |
| 1971 | Our Own Way of Living | - | DJM | - | - |
| 1972 | The Big Parade | - | DJM | - | - |
| 1972 | I'm in Love with the World | - | Philips | - | - |
| 1972 | Rock and Roll Is Back | - | Philips | - | - |
| 1973 | Take It, Shake It, Break My Heart | - | Philips | - | - |
| 1974 | Fast Running Out of World | - | Philips | - | - |
| 1986 | Dreamer | Win or Lose | Polydor | - | - |