Hepburn (band)

Lore & Background

The band began in 1997 when singer Jamie Benson met guitarist Lisa Lister at a party. Drummer Beverley Fullen knew Benson from music school, and bassist Sarah Davies was added to complete the lineup. Their name was inspired by actress Audrey Hepburn. Their first single, 'I Quit', was co-written by Phil Thornalley, who had recently achieved major success with 'Torn' for Natalie Imbruglia; Imbruglia reportedly declined to record 'I Quit'. The single was released in May 1999 and peaked at number 8 on the UK Singles Chart.

A music video for 'I Quit' was released, and later in 1999 a new video was shot using scenes from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, including footage of the band on the show's sets and acting like vampires at The Bronze. The track appeared on the official Buffy soundtrack and was promoted to radio, though the song never actually appeared on the show. The music video is included on Region 2 and 4 DVD releases of the second season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

In September 1999, drummer Fullen left and was replaced by Lisa Gordon, then Tasha Baylis. According to Davies, Fullen left when her boyfriend, band co-manager Ashen Datchler, resigned. Hepburn disbanded in summer 2000 after being dropped by Columbia Records, having released three singles (all top 20 in the UK) and one album, which reached the UK Top 30 despite a scathing review from NME.

Reader's Guide

Hepburn's significance lies primarily in their brief chart success and their connection to the popular television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Their debut single 'I Quit' became their highest-charting hit, reaching number 8 in the UK, and the band gained exposure to American audiences through the Buffy soundtrack. The band's story illustrates the rapid rise and fall typical of many late-1990s pop rock acts, with lineup changes and label support ending after only one album. Their legacy is preserved through the Buffy connection, the music video included on DVD releases, and the subsequent careers of members: Jamie Benson released a solo album and became a music teacher, while Sarah Davies became a police detective. The band's discography includes a five-track sampler and a video compilation appearance, but they remain a footnote in pop rock history, remembered largely for a single that nearly matched the success of its co-writer's earlier hit 'Torn'.

Did You Know?

• The band's name was inspired by actress Audrey Hepburn.
• Natalie Imbruglia reportedly declined to record 'I Quit' before Hepburn released it.
• The music video for 'I Quit' using Buffy the Vampire Slayer footage appears on Region 2 and 4 DVD releases of the second season of the show.
• Bassist Sarah Davies later became a police constable with Nottinghamshire Police.