Vain Bio
 

Vain

Next Performance: Rock the Bayou Festival, August 31, 2008


Vain: Beginnings
Guitarist/Vocalist Davy Vain founded Vain in 1986 in San Francisco, CA, after recording a demo in the studio that was produced by Metalica’s Kirk Hammett. The songs hit hard and the recording captured the intensity of Davy’s unique vocal style. With demo tape in hand, Davy set out to put together a band that could take over the world. Each band member was selected for their looks, musical chops and their belief in Davy’s vision of what the band would be all about. By late ’86, the lineup was complete: Vain was Davy (vocals) Ashley Mitchell (bass), Danny West (guitar), Jamie Scott (guitar) and local thrash drummer Tommy Rickard. After their first show, Vain was an instant headlining club band with a string of sold-out shows that caught the eye of the music press. Most notably, Kerrang! magazine which featured Vain on it’s cover before they were even signed. By the end of 1987, Vain was showcasing for major recording labels and signed in 1988 with Island Records. Davy was also developing his passion for record producer and handled the production duties for Death Angel’s “The Ultra-violence” released by Enigma Records.

Vain: No Respect
Vain released their debut, No Respect in 1989 and their videos, “Beat the Bullet” and “Who’s Watching You” were featured in rotation on MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball and Hard 30/Hard 60 programs. The band toured the USA and rounded out the year with a UK tour supporting Skid Row.

Vain: All Those Strangers
In 1991, things were to take a turn for the worse for Vain, and it would be finances rather than grunge which claimed this glam metal casualty, as their label, Island Records, collapsed before the band could release their second studio album, All Those Strangers. West and Rickard left the band in late 1991. Guitarist Shawn Rorie and former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler joined the band, which was re-named Roadcrew. Although a major label recording did not materialize, many of the Roadcrew songs can be found on later Vain releases.

Vain: Move On It
In 1993, the classic Vain lineup, minus Rickard, got back together to release Move On It, a Japan-only release. Danny Fury (ex Lords of the New Church) joined the band as its drummer for the album.

Vain: Fade
With other members pursuing solo interests, Davy and Ashley recorded Fade with new drummer Louie Senor. Fade featured Davy handling much of the guitar duties. Danny West released an EP called “Taste the Sounds” on Japan’s Geron Records. Jamie Scott went on to audition for Ozzy Osbourne and Big Blue Hearts. Jamie landed the BBH gig and toured the USA in support of Joe Walsh of Eagles fame.

Vain: In From Out of Nowhere
In 2000, Davy Vain released In From Out of Nowhere, a solo album that was recorded with Ashley and Louie. A few tracks featured Ruffians guitarist, Craig Behrhorst. Jamie Scott returned to the band late in the recording process but made it back in time to lend his guitar slinging to the opening track, “Push Me Over.” Davy was also enjoying success in the studio and engineered Christina Aguilera’s Grammy nominated vocal performance on “I Am Beautiful.”

Vain: On The Line
In 2005 had something of a revival when Gott Discs re-released the band's first album No Respect worldwide in January of that year. The band, now with Danny West joining Scott on guitars, also recorded a new album, On the Line which received critical acclaim. A UK tour in 2005 (supported by New Generation Superstars) proved immensely successful, and one show was awarded the maximum KKKKK rating by Steve Beebee from British metal magazine Kerrang!. The band toured again in 2006 (again with New Generation Superstars).

Vain: Rock The Bayou
With virtually the original lineup intact – Davy Vain (vocals), Jamie Scott (lead guitar), Danny West (rhythm guitar), Ashley Mitchell (bass), Louie Senor (drums) – and a collection of new material that makes No Respect fans blush, Vain is poised to deliver a memorable performance at Rock The Bayou in Houston, Texas. A four-day festival, Rock The Bayou will take place from August 29-September 1 2008, encompassing all of Labor Day Weekend.

Vain: Greatest Hits

  • “Secrets” from the No Respect album
  • “Beat the Bullet” from the No Respect album
  • “Who’s Watching You” from the No Respect album
  • “Down for the 3rd Time” from the No Respect album
  • “Breakdown” from the Move On It album
  • “Push Me Over” from the In From Out of Nowhere album
  • “So Free Now” from the On The Line album
  • “Love Drug” from the All Those Strangers album