The boys generated a lot of memorable, vibrant songs in those early days, including "Cruisin", and "Race With The Devil". They were a talented bunch, and are now considered among of the best of the early groups. The music was first class, and lead guitarist Gallup was one of the best strummers around. But he was also the first to move on, as seemed to happen so often in those days. It began a period of several years in which personnel changes became the norm, but Gene and the group continued to put out solid sellers — unfortunately though, none approached the popularity of their first hit.
As time passed, Gene began to move away from the early rockabilly sound and into a softer style with more ballads, and his second-biggest seller, "Lotta Lovin", is an example of that sound. He continued to perform well, and many of his songs in that stage of his career are solid, if not quite as exciting as his earlier style. Gradually though, he popularity slowed and he entered a period of decline.
In the 1960's, his fame revived somewhat as he began performing (and at one point, living) in England, and it was here that his friend and touring partner, Eddie Cochran, died in an auto accident. Gene was injured too, and although he survived he began a downward spiral, both physically and professionally, helped along by drinking problems and marital difficulties. He died in 1971 at age 36, the victim of complication from a bleeding ulcer, and joins the roster of legends of early rock. Gene Vincent and the Blue Caps, "Rip It Up".
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