Transvision Vamp, The Response @ The Gov, Adelaide 19/2/2026
Nostalgia is a wonderful thing and when it is done like this it is even more wonderful. Absence certainly does make the heart grow fonder and to say that it has been a minute between tours for Transvision Vamp is an understatement. The affinity and connection between Transvision Vamp and Australian fans was clear as day and with another sold out show on the tour at The Gov. Even Wendy James herself never thought this would be possible. The Gov was absolutely packed with this show being sold out for quite some time. It might have been a Thursday night but it had Friday vibes with a great deal of excitement about the night ahead.
New Zealand band The Response are an exciting prospect and they have a kit bag full of great songs. The music style is a blend of electronic minimalism with fuzzed out guitars. They wear their influences on the sleeve but there’s definitely nothing wrong with that. This husband and wife combo Andy and Victoria Knopp are extremely talented and one single away from breaking through. Set highlights include Where Do You Run To? and Shiver.
The last time Transvision Vamp ventured to Adelaide was all the way back in 1989 at The Old Lion (well before I could get in to shows) and even Wendy James asked the question about how many were there back then. Fast forward to now and there was a significant number new fans that weren’t even born then experiencing Transvision Vamp for the first time. The set list was seriously loaded with all the greatest hits and with a band that boasts the likes of original member Dave Parsons (bassist), Alex Ward (Thurston Moore Group) on guitar, Jim Sclavunos (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds), Matt Miller (keys) and guitarist Pip Stakem makes for a formidable combination.
Straight out of the blocks with Pop Art opener Trash City it was on and once the voice of Wendy James was heard this never in a million years tour was finally being realised. The band are super tight and sounding freaking unreal and Wendy James sounded divine. Holly and the Italians cover Tell That Girl To Shut Up that the energy going before pulling out crowd favourite I Want Your Love. Probably not quite the same angsty attitude of when it came out but nevertheless this was fantastic and the crowd reaction was priceless. Singing in earnest reaffirming the beauty of nostalgia. The set list was mostly focused on 1988s Pop Art and 1989s Velveteen with both, even now, stacking up with the best of ‘em and standing the test of time.
Backing off the pace a little with Sister Moon and Pressure Times was followed by rock ‘n roller The Only One. Wendy spoke openly about the original intention that this was going to be one show then Destroy All Lines had the masterstroke of an idea to make this a tour. Wendy said “can you believe we got this together” recalling being in France having a drink and how easy a decision it was. There was a huge sense of gratitude to the fans. Wendy added one of her own You’re a Dirtbomb, Lester which was followed by If Looks Could Kill, Dirtbomb and Born To Be Sold. I’ll say it again, the band were awesome and so much so they should be getting in a studio and recording new music. Going right back to 1988 with Revolution Baby which got the crowd going topped off just nicely with Landslide Of Love and Baby I Don’t Care.
Wendy and band left the stage and not before saying that if you want some more to make some noise returning with the stirring Bad Valentine and another Wendy James solo tune The Impression Of Normalcy which was trumped with the nine minute, rarely played epic, Velveteen which was a memorable way of highlighting each of the band member’s efforts and tying it all together just nicely. Great show and absolutely worth the wait prompting the question “when are Transvision Vamp coming back?”
Live Review By Rob Lyon