Vanity Fare

Formed in Kent, England in 1966, Vanity Fare is a pop / rock group best known for their hits “I Live for the Sun” (1968), “Early in the Morning” (1969), and “Hitchin’ a Ride” (1970). Originally known as The Avengers, the group was founded by vocalist Trevor Brice, guitarist Tony Goulden, bassist Tony Jarrett, and drummer Dick Allix. After recording several unreleased demos with infamous producer Joe Meek, they changed their name to The Sages and released one singe on RCA Records. The group changed their name to Vanity Fare in 1968 and signed to Page One Records. Vanity Fare scored their first hit in 1968 with their cover of The Sunrays’ “I Live for the Sun,” which reached number 20 on the British Singles chart. The group followed that hit with the release of their 1969 debut album, The Sun. The Wind. And Other Things. After releasing two more singles that did not chart, the group’s fourth single, “Early in the Morning” (1969), became their biggest UK hit, climbing to number 8 in England and hitting the Top 10 in Switzerland and Canada. The single was a sizable hit in the US as well, climbing to number 12 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles chart. Vanity Fare’s next single, “Hitchin’ a Ride,” was their biggest hit in America, reaching number 5 on the Hot 100 while also reaching number 3 in Canada and number 2 in South Africa. The band’s three hits were featured on the 1970 album Early in the Morning, which was their first album in many countries including the US. After achieving great success early in their career, the group’s fortunes dwindled quickly as their line-up began to change and their chart success came to an end almost as quickly as it began. Vanity Fare soldiered on, releasing singles sporadically throughout the 1970s but by 1980, the group’s line-up didn’t include any of its original members and the only ‘new’ albums they released chiefly consisted of re-recordings of their past glories. Vanity Fare remained an active band, playing the oldies circuit decades after their formation. Founding member Dick Allix, who played drums with the group until 1970, died on March 14, 2024, at the age of 78.