The Damned, one of the most influential and innovative punk rock bands of all time, are celebrating 50 years since their formation. The band, which has undergone numerous line-up changes over the years, has always been known for its unique blend of punk's raw energy with elements of psychedelia, glam rock, and gothic rock.
As Dave Vanian, the only constant member of the band, reflects on their history, he notes that "there isn't one songwriter" in the band, which means that the flavor of the music has always changed. Captain Sensible, who joined the band in 1976, brings a more poppy and melodic approach to his songwriting, while Rat Scabies, who left and re-joined the band several times, brings a mod sensibility and love for bands like the Who.
Throughout their career, the Damned have released 13 studio albums on nine different labels. While this has made it difficult for fans to track their discography, it has also allowed them to maintain their DIY ethos and independence. The band's history is marked by numerous break-ups, reunions, and lineup changes, including a stint with future Culture Club drummer Jon Moss.
Despite the ups and downs, the Damned have always remained true to themselves and their music. As Captain Sensible notes, "we're all knocking on" - it's time for them to come to an end. But for now, they're still rocking out, with a recent album and a forthcoming Wembley Arena gig celebrating 50 years of punk, goth, and holy grail hunting.
The Damned have always been known for their chaotic live shows, which often feature instrument-smashing, pie-throwing, and general mayhem. But even in the midst of all this chaos, there's a sense of camaraderie and fun that comes through. As Rat Scabies notes, "there were no rules" - it was just a bunch of kids having a laugh.
As they look back on their 50 years together, the Damned are still going strong. Their recent albums have been their highest charting to date, and they're still enjoying the thrill of live performance. As Dave Vanian says, "you'll know it's time for me to quit when I start leaning on the mic to sing Sinatra songs." But for now, he's still swooping across the stage like a vampire, delivering those iconic songs in his stern baritone.
For Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies, the key to their enduring success is simple: they're all having a good time. As Scabies notes, "I don't want to go out being miserable" - he wants to go out with a full belly and a smile on his face. And for Sensible, it's about enjoying the shows and travel. None of them got lazy and lost their drive.
As they look back on their 50 years together, the Damned are a testament to the power of creativity, innovation, and DIY spirit. They may have changed over the years, but one thing remains constant: their commitment to making music that's true to themselves. And as long as they're still rocking out, playing those iconic songs in their signature style, the Damned will always be relevant - a true punk rock institution for generations to come.
As Dave Vanian, the only constant member of the band, reflects on their history, he notes that "there isn't one songwriter" in the band, which means that the flavor of the music has always changed. Captain Sensible, who joined the band in 1976, brings a more poppy and melodic approach to his songwriting, while Rat Scabies, who left and re-joined the band several times, brings a mod sensibility and love for bands like the Who.
Throughout their career, the Damned have released 13 studio albums on nine different labels. While this has made it difficult for fans to track their discography, it has also allowed them to maintain their DIY ethos and independence. The band's history is marked by numerous break-ups, reunions, and lineup changes, including a stint with future Culture Club drummer Jon Moss.
Despite the ups and downs, the Damned have always remained true to themselves and their music. As Captain Sensible notes, "we're all knocking on" - it's time for them to come to an end. But for now, they're still rocking out, with a recent album and a forthcoming Wembley Arena gig celebrating 50 years of punk, goth, and holy grail hunting.
The Damned have always been known for their chaotic live shows, which often feature instrument-smashing, pie-throwing, and general mayhem. But even in the midst of all this chaos, there's a sense of camaraderie and fun that comes through. As Rat Scabies notes, "there were no rules" - it was just a bunch of kids having a laugh.
As they look back on their 50 years together, the Damned are still going strong. Their recent albums have been their highest charting to date, and they're still enjoying the thrill of live performance. As Dave Vanian says, "you'll know it's time for me to quit when I start leaning on the mic to sing Sinatra songs." But for now, he's still swooping across the stage like a vampire, delivering those iconic songs in his stern baritone.
For Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies, the key to their enduring success is simple: they're all having a good time. As Scabies notes, "I don't want to go out being miserable" - he wants to go out with a full belly and a smile on his face. And for Sensible, it's about enjoying the shows and travel. None of them got lazy and lost their drive.
As they look back on their 50 years together, the Damned are a testament to the power of creativity, innovation, and DIY spirit. They may have changed over the years, but one thing remains constant: their commitment to making music that's true to themselves. And as long as they're still rocking out, playing those iconic songs in their signature style, the Damned will always be relevant - a true punk rock institution for generations to come.
for The Damned! I mean, who wouldn't want to see these guys still rocking out and causing chaos at Wembley Arena? It's amazing how they've managed to maintain their DIY ethos all these years - it's like they're defying gravity (and sanity) with each new album release 
. And can we talk about the lineup changes? I mean, who would have thought that Jon Moss would end up drumming for The Damned? Mind. Blown.
. But hey, at least it's kept them independent and DIY-spirited, right? All in all, The Damned are still one of the coolest punk rock bands out there, and I'm stoked they're still rocking out after all these years 
As the saying goes "the truth is rarely pure and never simple" (Oscar Wilde) but in this case, it's clear that the Damned are always staying true to themselves and their music 
they've been such an influence on me growing up, especially back in the 90s when my mom would play their albums and i'd be like "what's that loud noise?" lol anyway i totally get why captain sensible thinks its time for them to wrap it up tho - after all these years, u have to respect his desire 2 move on 
also gotta love how they've never compromised on their values and diy ethos - thats somethin we all can learn from 
. I love how they've managed to stay true to themselves and their music despite all the lineup changes and label jumps. It's like they're saying, "screw the rules, let's just have fun with it" 
Dave Vanian is right, they've never had just one songwriter, and that's part of what makes their music so interesting... but also kinda crazy 
Still swooping across stages like a bat out of hell 
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️. Who doesn't want to go out with a full belly and a smile on their face? 
. But hey, it's all part of the charm, right? The Damned may have changed over the years, but one thing remains constant: their commitment to making music that's true to themselves 
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rat scabies' mod sensibility is so underrated 
dave vanian's still swooping across that stage like a vampire 
love how they're all about having fun & not taking life too seriously