In the golden days of the skinhead movement in the 80s, there were many bands that shaped the scene with their music. One of these bands was Vengeance from Norwich, England. In this blog article, we learn more about the fascinating history of this group first-hand.
The beginnings of Vengeance
In 1985, the skinhead band Vengeance was founded by Tom and Daz in Norwich, England. Tom was already an experienced drummer, while Daz had dreams of being a singer on stage. Together they decided to form their own band and combine their musical talents. To realize their vision of a skinhead band, Tom and Daz brought two other musicians on board. Tim, a talented lead guitarist, and Rach, who played bass, completed the initial line-up of Vengeance. Together they began writing their own songs and rehearsing tirelessly.
Months of hard work and cohesion followed as the four band members honed their skills and fleshed out their song material. Finally, they recorded their first demo to introduce their music to a wider audience. In 1987, the time had finally come: Vengeance gave their first live concert as the support act for the well-known skinhead band Condemned 84 in their home town of Norwich. This gig marked the beginning of their career and brought them their first fans and recognition in the scene.
The rise
In the summer of 1987, the young skinhead band Vengeance reached a significant milestone in their career. They were booked to open for the legendary band Skrewdriver at an R.A.C concert in Suffolk. This gig was a great honor and brought Vengeance onto the big stage of the skinhead scene for the first time. The success of opening for Skrewdriver opened new doors for Vengeance. That same year, they shared the stage with other notable bands such as Section 5 and Condemned 84, concerts that cemented their reputation as an up-and-coming force in the skinhead movement and brought them many new fans.
Despite their growing success, Vengeance suffered a setback when Tim and Rach left the band. But Tom and Daz were not discouraged. They recruited Vernon as the new bassist and vocalist and Andy as lead guitarist to fill the gaps in the line-up. With Vernon and Andy on board, Vengeance gained new momentum. The two new additions brought fresh energy and musical talent to the band. After a trial period, the new line-up hit the ground running and cemented their place.
Breakthrough with “Forward Into War”
After the departure of Daz, the band’s singer, Vengeance faced a challenge. But instead of hanging their heads, the band took the opportunity to make a fresh start. Vernon, who had previously played bass, took on the role of lead singer. Vengeance thus became a powerful trio. In their new line-up, the band worked tirelessly on new songs. The result was the demo tape “Fight for your Life”, which quickly became a fan favorite. The band’s unmistakable sound and Vernon’s charismatic vocals convinced the record company Rock-O-Rama Records to sign Vengeance.
In 1988, the time had finally come: Vengeance released their eagerly awaited debut album “Forward Into War”. The record was celebrated by fans and critics alike and catapulted the band into new spheres of success. A video cassette was released at the same time as the LP, documenting the recordings in the studio and containing several video clips. Enthusiastic fans from Belgium, the USA and even Australia wrote letters to the band expressing their admiration. The success of “Forward Into War” not only gave Vengeance a loyal fan base in their native UK, but also international recognition. The band had managed to inspire people all over the world with their authentic skinhead music and unmistakable stage presence.
The end of an era
After the huge success of their debut album “Forward Into War”, Vengeance went from strength to strength. The band played relentlessly in the UK, sharing the stage with scene greats such as Brutal Attack and Skrewdriver. The London gig in particular was a highlight and cemented their reputation as one of the country’s leading skinhead bands. However, the numerous concerts took their toll. The band decided to take a break. At first they thought of taking a short break to recharge their batteries. But this break turned out to be longer than planned.
The more time passed, the clearer it became that the members of Vengeance were pursuing different plans for the future. The desire to go their own way grew stronger. With heavy hearts, they finally decided to go their separate ways and break up the band. Before Vengeance was finally consigned to the past, they released a second album of earlier material under the title “1986”. This record was a final legacy to their loyal fans and a conclusion to their musical journey as a band.
Legacy and aftermath
Even though Vengeance is no longer active, the band has left a lasting impression on the skinhead scene. Their powerful music and authentic portrayal of the skinhead lifestyle inspired numerous other bands and fans around the world. As a sign of recognition and admiration, bands like Legion of St. George and Bloodshed covered some of Vengeance’s best-known songs. These cover versions were a tribute to the pioneering work and influence the band had on the whole skinhead movement.
Tom, Vengeance’s drummer, looks back on the band’s achievements with great pride. The memories of the exciting concerts, the passionate fans and the unforgettable moments on stage allow him to enjoy the old days to the full. But not all memories are characterized by joy. The tragic death of Vernon, the bassist and singer of Vengeance, has affected Tom deeply. The loss of a close friend and companion was a heavy blow that partly overshadowed the joy of the band’s successes.
Conclusion
The history of Vengeance is inextricably linked to the skinhead movement of the 1980s. It reminds us of an era when this subculture was at its peak and bands like Vengeance set the tone. Their music and lifestyle shaped an entire generation of skinheads around the world.
Even though Vengeance is no longer active, the band has left a lasting legacy. Their music lives on in the hearts of their fans and continues to inspire many artists and followers of the skinhead scene today. The fascinating story of Vengeance will forever remain a part of subculture history.