We’re pleased to welcome Mike Kelly (website) who will be joining us on drums for the show at the 229 in London on Saturday 11th October.

Mike is a highly experienced and versatile drummer who has toured extensively with bands including The Mission, Spear Of Destiny, Theatre of Hate, Lotus Eaters and We Fell To Earth, as well as featuring on hundreds of recorded works with many of those bands and others, and has even recorded with musicians from Manic Street Preachers, Steely Dan and Depeche Mode mode to mention a few.

We’re sure you’ll give Mike a big welcome, so please do come along to the 229 if you can to offer your support. See you there…

(Photo credit – Neil Chapman @UnholyRacket)
 

We’re delighted to report that Michael is now back home, being cared for by family, and is determined to make a full and complete recovery. Sadly, we need to inform you that Michael will no longer be performing with The Vapors.

It goes without saying that we’d like to thank Michael for everything he’s given to the band and to everyone around us over the past nine and a half years. He’ll not be a stranger to us, and we fully hope to see him grinning back at us from in front of the stage soon. Michael will of course remain firmly and forever a loved and cherished member of the amazing Vapors Family. Thanks Michael, Love You Man!

Michael would also like to add the following:

To all my wonderful friends and fans who have supported me through this tough and scary time – thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Your kind words of love and encouragement meant so very much to me. 

I am happy to tell you that I’m now well on the mend and will soon be ready to continue my professional  drumming career, with all the energy and enthusiasm that you guys are used to seeing from me. 

Sadly, the rest of the band have come to the decision that they wish me to step away from playing with them, so it seems I have played my last Vapors gig.

I will sincerely miss the great times I have had whilst filling that drum stool, and will particularly miss seeing you guys out on the road. 

Rest assured you’ll see me again very soon, playing with another band. Thank you again for all the love and support, 

Michael xxx

As many of you are already aware, Michael Bowes was taken ill at the end of last night’s Lost 80’s Live show.

Michael was treated on the spot and taken to hospital, where he is conscious and communicating normally. He will remain there for tests, and the rest of the band will be continuing on for the rest of the tour as planned.

We will post further information in due course, but would ask that people don’t speculate online. Your good wishes are already gratefully received. Get well soon Michael x

The band’s new single is Forever & Ever, the third to be taken from the Wasp In A Jar 🐝 album, will be released on Friday 11th July. It will be available to stream and download from all the usual platforms here

The band will be joining From The Jam at selected shows of their Sounds Affects 45 year anniversary tour which starts later this year. Two gigs are confirmed so far in Salisbury on Saturday 1st November & Nottingham on Fri 3rd April 2026. Other gigs may follow… Both shows onsale now here