Fan Focus – Elaine Bevan

In the second of our Fan Focus articles, we speak to Elaine Bevan who was lucky enough to see the band first time around as well as being a regular face at gigs since their reformation in 2016. Over to Elaine…

Name?

Elaine Bevan

Date of birth/Age?

16th November 1962….age is just a number!

Hometown?

Andover, Hampshire

Current home?

Andover, Hampshire….returned 14 years ago after 25 years in the big bad city of London.

How did you hear of The Vapors first?

It was early 1980, hearing Turning Japanese. I do remember going to a fellow college student’s party in March 1980 and it being played, then seeing them on TOTP.

When did you first see them live?

3rd August 1980, Poole Arts Centre, supporting The Jam. I was hooked and sought out any future gig I could get to around college (there was some skipping of classes!), and my Saturday job in a shop that funded the gigs (6 in total through 1980/81 + the Jimmie Jones video recording). And so began the birth of my Vapors Photo Album/Diary. I am so glad I kept it but my diary reminds me of so much that I didn’t keep….the t-shirts – the badges – Howard’s drumstick – my drawings of the band!

New Clear Days or Magnets?

Oh No! I suppose NCD as it was the first and I played it over and over again (still do…and Magnets!)

Favourite Vapors track?

Spring Collection has always been a favourite but really love so many/all the tracks! I’m loving hearing Magnets performed live these days. And then we have album # 3 so who knows?……

Best time you’ve seen them?

Has to be Dingwalls 4th November 2016. My first time seeing them live since 26th April 1981 (The Royal, Guildford). They came out on stage and opened with Secret Noise just as I remembered from those early days. It is almost impossible to explain the feeling, but it was just magical. I was a winner of after show tickets from the Fan Group page and got to meet the guys. I took along my treasured photo album which they very kindly signed, as they had also done at that last gig in April 1981. A night I will never forget. It also led to meeting so many lovely fans, now friends, who share this great passion.

Best Vapors moment/memory?

Moment was happening upon The Vapors Fan Group page on Facebook in 2014 and feeling SO excited to find others who still shared the passion. Memory is definitely New York October 2018. One of the best weekends EVER. I still have to pinch myself that it happened and I was there! Sharing the experience with my lovely Vapors friend and roommate Jane, and the rest of the Vapors Family who were able to be there made it such a very special time.

Hopes for the future of the band?

1.That the launch of album # 3 leads to the recognition they so deserve.

2.To keep on touring, but not so far away for so long that I have severe withdrawal symptoms!

3.Album # 4

Other favourite bands?

O.K. you did ask!…. The first band I loved were The Osmonds!…moving swiftly on…The Jam of course. I kind of focused all my passion into The Jam and The Vapors really. Currently enjoying The Killers. More into artists than bands I suppose, Elvis, Springsteen and not forgetting my guilty pleasure, (turn away now if easily offended!)….Michael Bolton!

Sorry for the use of the M.B. words there, we apologise for not warning you that his name might crop up! Thanks to Elaine for her answers. If you ever get a chance to check out her brilliant photo album from the early days, seize the opportunity. Another Fan Focus interview coming soon…