Transvision Vamp – The Powerstation: February 28, 2026 (13th Floor Concert Review)
English eighties glam-rockers Transvision Vamp wrapped up their reunion at Auckland’s Powerstation, some 35 years after they last played here.
Led by vocalist Wendy James, the band had their moment in the sun in the late 1980’s with hits like Baby I Don’t Care, Revolution Baby, I Want Your Love, The Only One and If Looks Could Kill all of which hit the Top 50 in the New Zealand singles chart.
James finally reunited with bass player Dave Parsons along with  Alex Ward (The Thurston Moore Group) on guitar and James Sclavunos (Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds) on drums…no sign of original guitarist and songwriter Nick Christian Sayer.
Dropper
The night began with Wellington rockers Dropper who proved that they can handle a larger venue than the tiny basement I saw them in a few months ago. I predict nother but good things for these guys.
Transvision Vamp
Those that remember the band came to revel in a bit of nostalgia, those who don’t showed up out of curiosity.
As one of the latter…I found the band and their songs, fun, entertaining and not much more. Wendy still has plenty of attitude, although she not a great vocalist…I’m guess she never was.
Wendy promised the fans that there would be more from Transvision Vamp…I’m not sure if that’s neccessary.
But fun was had, guitar riffs were struck and memories were brought back…sometimes that’s all you need for a good night out at The Powerstation.
Marty Duda
Click on any image to view a photo gallery by Chris Zwaagdyk:
Transvision Vamp
Dropper:
