The Vapors: Still ‘Turning Japanese’ After All These Years

It’s been more than 35 years since The Vapors performed in the U.S.  But that fun fact will change when the British band plays two October nights at the Mercury Lounge in New York City.

The year was 1980 and  The Vapors’ biggest hit, “Turning Japanese,” was all over radio, from the bubblegum Top 40 stations to the FM rock powerhouses.  The song even caught SCTV’s attention, resulting in Rick Moranis cutting a short comedy video of the tune.

– The Vapors

“Turning Japanese” also attracted Hollywood’s interest and the song was featured in films such as “16 Candles” and “Charlie’s Angels.”

But all good times come to an end, and what appeared to be the final curtain call for The Vapors was back in 1981 when the group broke up.  However, the band reformed in 2016 and played a few dates and festivals in the U.K. 

It was after a fan in the New York area created a GoFundMe page to cover the band’s visas, legal fees and accommodations that the band started thinking about a return to the Big Apple

Oct. 20-21 are the dates, New York’s Mercury Lounge the place.  Tickets go on sale for both shows May 11.  Word is if the two shows sell out, The Vapors will book a third gig at the venue.  So buy early and buy often.