Vamps, The (Vamp City)  

Cutting edge alternative original rock band originally known as Vamp City formed in 1978. The early lineup included a guitarist named Chuck, then Tim Lebrun took his place, Warren Cherry (ex-The Risk) fronted the group. Steve Mace later replaced Lebrun and the group became The Actors (circa ’81-82). The group later re-formed as the Vamps, then a second version of Vamp City, then a second version of The Vamps.

Drawing from classic rock, new wave and glam, their innovative style was described by keyboard player Ron Tankersley as “dark and ‘Goth’ – before ‘Goth’ was a style.” The group lineup also included Johnny Hemphill (lead vocals), Rickey Miles (drums), ‘Jimi K’ Koviloff (guitar), and Steve Mach (bass ex-Modern Vogue). Tankersley was later replaced with Pete Quinton.

The following blurb is from The Vamps press kit written by Madelyn Scarpulla.
“The Vamps are a high-energy glam-pop rock’n’roll band…
Pure rock’n’roll with Beach Boys harmonies, but you’ll find metal overtones and a hard-core punk edge. Nocturnal Beach music perhaps?”

“Perfectly commercial and marketable, The Vamps take a fresh and positive approach to the 80’s brand of rock’n’roll. The Vamps flaunt young appeal and boyish charm, but display musical influences from the 50’s. It’s “spontaneity at its best…””
“When was the last time you were really hot on a new band? You’ll go berserk over The Vamps! Imagine a glam rock band with a look that would scare your grandmother but with a talent line-up that will send shivers up your spine. Fiery guitar work and a rhythm section that will hypnotize you…”
“The Vamps are born to be superstars!””

“Managed by Ken Clark and booked by Greg Therres at Starleigh, the Vamps headlined many shows at Girard’s, Maxwell’s, Marble Bar and other A-rooms around Baltimore. They were a perennial warm up band for local favorites the Ravyns, and Kix, while also opening for nationally known acts as Modern English, the Hooters, Joan Jett, and others.” 

Keyboardist Jeff Chance (ex-Modern Vogue) joined the group in late 1984. Drummer John Tracey aka ‘Dick Tracey’ (ex-Ravyns) was also a member.

Their original song “No Answer” was included on 98 Rock’s 1984 album (The 98 Rock Album, Vol. III.” The group also released a cassette album titled “EKG” (1985).

The second version of Vamp City (circa 1985) was Jimi K (guitar), Steve Mach (bass), Dick Tracey (drums), and Dino Matarozza (lead vocals).

The “new” Vamps (after Vamp City #2) were Jimi K (guitar), Steve Mach (bass), Spin Spurr (drums) and Tommy Nordahl (lead vocals).

So, basically the family tree goes: Vamp City/The Actors/The Vamps/Vamp City #2/The Vamps #2

Jimi, John, and Steve later went to New York and formed the metal band Skin & Bones with Billy Idol drummer Gregg Gerson. Their first album “Not A Pretty Sight” (Equinox Records) was produced by Andy Taylor (Duran Duran) in 1990. Due to contract issues the album was not released in the U.S. but was successful in Europe and Japan. The group followed up with the 1992 album “Madhouse” recorded in L.A. Later in ’92 the band split up.

Members of the group have gone on to numerous projects. Tankersley went on to the Sway, the Pawns…  Jimi K continued to work with numerous bands in New York including Joan Jett, and Blondie. Mach played in New York based punk bands Pillbox, The Shakes, Charm School, and others. Hemphill wrote songs for the hit FOX-TV series The Heights and has released several solo CD projects since the late ‘90s. Nordahl with Scarecrow, he and Spurr formed Tommy & the Love Tribe…