Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Daniel Bird

The Vamps' Tristan says it's 'weird' as singer is forced to remain SILENT on tour

The Vamps singer and guitarist James Brittain-McVey is under strict instructions from medics to remain silent – despite being on the road.

Earlier this month, James underwent surgery on his vocal cords after discovering a haemorrhaged polyp and discovering that the growth meant his vocal cords couldn't connect.

Following his surgery, medical staff advised James to remain silent in order to preserve his voice before making a full recovery – despite being in the middle of a series of shows.

Speaking ahead of their headline set at The Royal Albert Hall and In It Together festival, drummer Tristan has detailed what it's been like for the band.

The Vamps are tonight headlining The Royal Albert Hall before taking to the stage at In It Together Festival (Getty)

"It's weird, but there are ways around it," Dorset-born Tristan explained before continuing: "We just have to turn Brad's guitar up or do things a bit differently.

"It's a bit weird, we feel like Blink-182 at the moment because there are just two people at the front of the stage instead of three.

"He's getting better, he's doing this to prevent major surgery, he's having this silence to prevent years of silence – that would be the worst-case scenario."

Praising his bandmate, Tristan continued: "We're so proud of him and we see him all the time, he just doesn't speak, it's quite funny.

"I miss hearing his soothing voice."

James is currently on vocal rest to ensure he doesn't damage his voice (Tim Merry / Daily Star)

Ahead of two sell-out shows, Tristan explained that despite some interesting fan encounters, nothing tops seeing a "sea of people together and jumping."

He added: "There's so much energy in the fan base and when you've been feeling a bit s**t it's amazing that they can pick you up so quickly."

But after 11 years in the business, he admits that it never gets easier to change the setlist as it can change the whole vibe.

The rocker: "The set list changes and it changes the vibe that you want to give to the audience.

Tristan admits his bandmates, James, Brad and Connor are always supportive and they're the 'best of friends' (Attitude Magazine via Getty Images)

"Sometimes you can get away with playing new stuff that people won't necessarily know, so the summer festivals are a bit different – – I think everyone's just there for the vibe and they want to hear music that they know."

Last year, Tristan created his own concealer collection in partnership with Homme which he described as "really fun".

"That was something I wanted to do for a while, coronavirus hit and I had a little bit of time on my hands," he explained before continuing: "It's something I've always done, I've always worn makeup.

The Vamps are known for their uptempo shows (Corbis via Getty Images)

"I've always believed anyone can wear makeup, you shouldn't believe in the stereotype 'Oh my God, men can't wear makeup' – that's so old school."

But the star wasn't too nervous about stepping out alone, admitting that all four lads support one another and their solo ventures.

Lead singer Bradley Will Simpson launched Ten Legs Gin, Connor Ball launched the pop-punk duo The Lunar Year and James has gone into songwriting.

"I think it's exciting, I love it, the boys are so supportive," Tristan gushed before continuing: "We're literally best friends as well as being in a band.

"So it's kind of easy to do other things and they put their opinion in and I love that, it's actually really easy to just do something different.

"Obviously it's nerve-wracking and it's a bit different but it's kind of funny to do something different."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.