transvision Vamp Frontwoman wendy James Embarks on Tour, finds Peace Beyond Fame
London – Wendy James, iconic lead singer of 1980s pop-rock group Transvision Vamp, is gearing up for a series of tour dates with both her solo band and a reunited Transvision Vamp, following a nearly three-decade hiatus. The announcement comes as james reflects on her career, a period marked by both chart success and tabloid controversy, and a surprising contentment found outside the spotlight.
After achieving fame with hits like “Baby’s Got a Bubblegum Kiss,” james left the whirlwind of the music industry, eventually settling in France after a housesitting stint for a friend 17 years ago. While her solo albums haven’t reached the same commercial heights as Transvision Vamp’s work, james states, “I don’t miss the clamour of people’s adulation. The only difference [not being famous] has made is that I have to book my own flights and find my own way to the airport.” This sentiment underscores a broader narrative of artists reclaiming agency and finding fulfillment on their own terms, a theme resonating with a contemporary audience increasingly skeptical of celebrity culture. The reformed Transvision Vamp, featuring original members James and Terry Parsons alongside alex Ward and Sclavunos, plans to tour extensively, beginning in Australia in February 2026.
James, who identifies with artists like Gwen Stefani and Miley Cyrus as “spunky, independently minded, fearless young females that are warriors,” is approaching the reunion with enthusiasm. She acknowledges a shift in her ambitions, noting that while her “pinnacle” once was playing Madison Square Garden, “this time, who knows. The potential is massive.” The band has already confirmed tour dates in Australia and Spain for next year, with more countries in the planning stages, and the possibility of a new album remains open.
The Wendy James Band’s UK tour begins on October 1st. Transvision Vamp will tour in 2026, starting in Australia in February.
