Some legacies are so powerful that they can’t help but live on – and the music of Morphine simply had to continue.
Known for its groundbreaking fusion of baritone saxophone, 2-string slide bass, and drums, Morphine carved out a hypnotic sound in the ‘90s that was entirely its own. With a genre-defying low rock style, the band’s music was sultry, raw, and undeniably magnetic. But when frontman Mark Sandman tragically passed away on stage in 1999, the world thought the Morphine story had ended.
But in 2008, something special happened. Vapors of Morphine, the band born from the ashes of Morphine, began to forge a new path – one that honoured the past while embracing the future.
Vapors of Morphine tour dates VIC
- Sun 27 April 27 – Gumball Fest, Hunter Valley
- Wed 30 April 30 – Crowbar, Sydney
- Thurs 1 May – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
- Fri 2 May – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine Vic
- Sat 3 May – Vinnies Dive Bar, Gold Coast
- Sun 4 May – Crowbar, Brisbane
- Tickets: grab ’em here!
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Now, as they prepare to hit the road for an exciting tour in April and May, the band, led by original Morphine saxophonist Dana Colley and multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Lyons, is bringing their electrifying sound to fans across the country. With special guest Jeb Caldwell joining the stage, the performances will include hypnotic renditions of Morphine originals, along with fresh material from their latest album, Fear & Fantasy.
Their live shows are a mesmerizing blend of blues, African rhythms, and psychedelic rock – pushing boundaries while paying homage to the experimental spirit championed by Sandman. The band’s evolving sound, which includes lush textures, electric baritone sax, and the haunting two-string slide bass, ensures that the Morphine legacy is alive and well. In fact, Vapors of Morphine isn’t just a tribute to the band; it’s a natural evolution of what came before.
The latest album, Fear & Fantasy (released in 2021 via Schnitzel Records, UK), takes listeners on a journey through both the old and the new. The record recalls Morphine’s final masterpiece, The Night, while introducing fresh, haunting sounds that only Colley and Lyons could create. It’s proof that the story of Morphine isn’t over – it’s been reborn, more captivating than ever.
Contrary to popular belief, the name ‘Morphine’ was never about the drug, but rather the Greek god of dreams, Morpheus. And while Vapors of Morphine may evoke the intoxicating feeling of a powerful experience, no prescription is needed. Their music lingers long after the last note, leaving you in a dreamy haze you won’t want to escape.
The serendipitous story of how Colley and Lyons came together adds another layer of magic to the band’s narrative. Years before their paths crossed, Colley unknowingly took a photo of Lyons and his street band in New Orleans, placing it into his tour journal with a note about the band’s evocative blues sound. Fast forward a decade, and after Hurricane Katrina forced Lyons to move to Boston, the two were introduced. It was only then that they discovered they both had matching halves of the same Polaroid, a twist of fate that sparked their collaboration. Talk about a cosmic connection!
Vapors of Morphine has proven that while Morphine’s original chapter may have come to an end, its spirit continues to evolve and inspire. The band is carving out new sonic landscapes while staying true to the moody, intoxicating essence of their predecessor – and they’re doing it with an energy that makes it clear this isn’t just a trip down memory lane. It’s a new chapter in a powerful legacy.
Catch Vapors of Morphine live this April and May as they bring their hypnotic sound and electrifying performances to a stage near you. Don’t miss this chance to experience a sound reborn and a legacy reimagined.
