The Damned (lead vocalist Dave Vanian, guitarist Brian James, bassist (and later guitarist) Captain Sensible, and drummer Rat Scabies) formed in 1976, releasing the ferocious "New Rose" single a few months later. Cited as the first punk single to be released, this led to the classic debut album "Damned Damned Damned" kicking off a career spanning five decades.
The underwhelming "Music for Pleasure" followed in 1977 but after a breakup the band came back with the excellent "Machine Gun Etiquette" album along with singles "Love Song" and the archetypal "Smash It Up." Performed live on the Old Grey Whistle Test the band did indeed smash it up, wrecking the BBC studio, Who style.
1980 saw Dave Vanian croon his way through The Black Album, a double set containing the 17-minute epic "Curtain Call" and beginning the Damned’s gothic period.
After the critically acclaimed "Strawberries" (1982) and Captain Sensible’s departure the band released "Phantasmagoria", their first album on a major label followed by a no 2 hit with the old Barry Ryan power pop melodrama "Eloise."
Through numerous lineup changes, reunions and farewell tours The Damned continued to turn it up and play it fast, most recently reforming the original line up of Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, Brian James and Rat Scabies for a UK tour in 2022.
Offcial Website -
officialdamned.com
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