[1] By November 2008, The Vines' vocalist and lead guitarist, Craig Nicholls, was debilitated by his Asperger's syndrome and the band's tour was cancelled.

After Red Riders disbanded in 2011, Heald returned to playing with The Vines; releasing the album Future Primitive later that year.

Heald quietly departed from the band in 2012, having stayed on as a member for a remainder of festival commitments following the departure of Griffith and drummer Hamish Rosser.

Brad also made an appearance on bass with the surf-punk band Skegss in 2016 at Wonderland Festival in Perth, Western Australia.

In 2017, Heald reunited for a series of shows with Red Riders; performing as a guest guitarist for songs on the Drown in Colour album.