Fan Focus – Matt Inskip

In this fan focus, we quiz South coast fan Matt who has been a regular face at gigs since the band reformed and was one of the lucky ones to see them multiple times in the first time around. Over to you, Mr Inskip..

Name?

Matthew Inskip

Date of birth/Age?

29th March 1962 – 58 yrs

Hometown?

Spent most of my life in and around Portsmouth

Current home?

Horndean, which funnily enough is just outside Portsmouth

How did you hear of The Vapors first?

First heard of the band through a mate of mine who had seen them playing in Farncombe, which was where he was living at the time.

When did you first see them live?

That would have been in early 1979 aforementioned friend dragged me off to watch them in Guildford, the Royal, I think.

New Clear Days or Magnets?

Difficult one this as I love them both equally for different reasons. If I had to choose, I would go for Magnets, it seems slightly edgier to me.

Favourite Vapors track?

Crikey, another difficult one. I will have to go for three

1.News at Ten – just because it’s a great song

2.Secret Noise – because it must mean I’m at a gig somewhere!!

3.Sundown River (off the new album) – it’s really grown on me, stand out track from Together for me.

Best time you’ve seen them?

These questions don’t get any easier!! If I had to choose one it would be the Marquee 17th February 1980 – Outstanding show, I have had the honour of watching the band there a few times but that one sticks in the memory. The UBz (also from Guildford) were supporting

Best Vapors moment/memory?

Lots to pick from but it has to be the opening night at the Mercury Lounge NYC. Such an emotional night, well weekend really, wouldn’t have missed that for the world. But just as easy to say every time you get to catch up with the band. They are so welcoming, particularly back in the day, always had time for the fans. Not many bands really demonstrate that.

Hopes for the future of the band?

Obviously the fourth album, so many good songs didn’t make it on to Together, a lot more gigs!!

Other favourite bands?

The Jam were a favourite from around that time along with The Boys and XTC, but also like ‘A’ in more recent years.

Thanks to Matt for answering our questions & not mentioning how many Vapors/Jam gigs he saw on the Setting Sons tour!