Just Like Vince Taylor

Album: Radar Love (1973)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In this mid-tempo rock number, the title suggests it might be a tribute song, but it is really a song about what happened - or what didn't happen - on a night out with a girl who made the narrator feel just like Vince Taylor, or dress like him at any rate, if the reference to greased hair, leather and chains is anything to go by.

    Brian Holden (1939-91) - who took the stage name Vince Taylor - was one of the countless nearly men of rock 'n' roll; he was born in Isleworth, West London, immigrated to the United States as a young boy where his father worked in the mining industry, and ended up in Hollywood through a family connection where he embarked on his ill-fated music career. He enjoyed some success in both his native England and France, but like many bigger names he turned to both alcohol and drugs, and by and large faded from sight. He died from cancer in August 1991.

    When this song was written, Taylor was still very much alive, although his 15 minutes of fame was long over. A live version with jangling guitars and sounding anything but live was recorded as the B-side of a 1977 live version of the band's biggest hit by far, "Radar Love". (Thanks, Alexander Baron - London, England.) >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England.

Comments: 1

  • Tony Z from San DiegoGreat song, how come no one has commented on this?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Tom Johnston from The Doobie Brothers

Tom Johnston from The Doobie BrothersSongwriter Interviews

The Doobies guitarist and lead singer, Tom wrote the classics "Listen To The Music," "Long Train Runnin'" and "China Grove."

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Lori McKenna

Lori McKennaSongwriter Interviews

Lori's songs have been recorded by Faith Hill and Sara Evans. She's performed on the CMAs and on Oprah. She also has five kids.

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"

Chris Frantz - "Genius of Love"They're Playing My Song

Chris and his wife Tina were the rhythm section for Talking Heads when they formed The Tom Tom Club. "Genius of Love" was their blockbuster, but David Byrne only mentioned it once.

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic Furs

Richard Butler of The Psychedelic FursSongwriter Interviews

Psychedelic Furs lead singer Richard Butler talks about their first album since 1991 and explains what's really going on in "Pretty In Pink."