'We wouldn't still be playing if we'd got stinking rich': the Damned celebrate 50 years of punk, goth and holy grail hunting

The Damned, one of the most influential punk bands of all time, is celebrating 50 years since its formation. The band, which has undergone numerous lineup changes over the years, consists of Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, and Rat Scabies, with Vanian being the sole constant member.

The history of the Damned is marked by break-ups, creative differences, and personal conflicts, including a period where Scabies left the band while on tour in France. The other two members, Brian James (who later joined Culture Club) and Captain Sensible, also had their share of disagreements, with Sensible eventually leaving the band due to chart-topping solo career pressures.

Despite these ups and downs, the Damned has always been known for its unique blend of punk, goth, and psychedelic rock. The band's music has undergone many transformations over the years, from its early days as a proto-punk outfit to its later incarnations as a major label success story.

In recent times, the Damned have experienced a resurgence in popularity, with their recent albums reaching new heights on the charts. The band is now gearing up for a Wembley Arena gig and releasing a new album featuring covers of 60s garage bands that were an inspiration to the Damned's early sound.

Dave Vanian, the enigmatic frontman of the band, has always been somewhat of a private figure, preferring not to be interviewed or to have his image used in film and media. However, he is now open to talking about the band's history and future plans.

Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies, who were once at odds with Vanian due to creative differences, have now patched things up and are working together again. The two musicians seem to be enjoying their time on tour and in the studio, with Sensible saying that he is glad they did not become a commercial success, which would have led to them losing their drive.

In an interview, Captain Sensible reflected on the band's history, stating, "We wouldn't still be playing if we'd got stinking rich." He expressed his gratitude for having been able to maintain his passion for music and travel with the band.
 
You know what's wild about this whole thing? How two guys who were at each other's throats just a decade ago are now jamming together like no time has passed ๐Ÿค˜. It makes you think about how different paths we all can take in life, and how some of those choices lead us back to where we started. And for the Damned, it's amazing that they've been able to recapture their spark after so many years of ups and downs... I mean, 50 years is a big deal - that's like, two lifetimes of music ๐Ÿ•ฐ๏ธ... what if they had just given up on each other all those times? Would we even be here today listening to them play some awesome garage band covers?
 
๐Ÿค˜ 50 years is a big deal for The Damned... I feel bad for Dave Vanian, always being the constant in such a chaotic environment ๐Ÿค•. It's awesome that they've patched things up now though! Captain Sensible's comment about not wanting to be commercial success is so true - music should still mean something to you when it's all said and done ๐Ÿ’ฏ. Their legacy is more important than any amount of money or fame... let's hope they get to play some amazing shows and make some new fans ๐ŸŽธ
 
man I'm so hyped about the Damned celebrating 50 years ๐Ÿค˜๐ŸŽ‰ it's crazy to think that they've been making music for half a century, especially considering all the lineup changes and break-ups over the years ๐Ÿ˜…. I mean, Dave Vanian is like the OG of punk rock, always been this mysterious figure, but now he's open to talking about the band's history ๐Ÿค. And it's awesome that Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies have patched things up, it's not always easy for old mates to get back together ๐Ÿคœ๐Ÿค›. The fact that they're releasing a new album with covers of 60s garage bands is genius, really gets into their early sound vibes ๐ŸŽธ. I'm low-key excited to see them live at Wembley Arena soon!
 
๐Ÿค˜ 50 years of chaos and creativity from the Damned... they're proof that punk's not dead, just evolved ๐ŸŽธ. Always been a fan of their unpredictability ๐Ÿ’ฅ. Glad to see Vanian, Sensible & Scabies putting aside past differences ๐Ÿค, now let's get this new album outta here! Can't wait for the Wembley gig ๐ŸŸ๏ธ๐Ÿ”ฅ
 
๐Ÿค” I think it's amazing how The Damned has managed to stay relevant after 50 years! They've had their ups and downs, but they've always kept their unique sound going strong ๐Ÿ’ช. I'm so glad Captain Sensible is now on good terms with Dave Vanian again ๐Ÿ™, that's a testament to the power of music bringing people together ๐ŸŽธ. And can we talk about how cool it is that they're releasing a new album featuring covers of 60s garage bands? That sounds like an awesome tribute to their early sound ๐ŸŽต. Let's raise a virtual glass (of champagne) to The Damned and their dedication to the music that matters most!
 
I'm so excited about The Damned's 50th anniversary ๐Ÿคฉ! I mean, think about it, these guys have been through so much - lineup changes, creative disagreements, and all that drama ๐Ÿ™„. But what's amazing is how they've managed to come out stronger on the other side. And their music has always been such a unique blend of punk, goth, and psychedelic rock... I love how they're still pushing boundaries with their new album and covers ๐ŸŽธ.

You know, it's really inspiring to see Dave Vanian being open about his past, after keeping that private for so long ๐Ÿ’ญ. And the fact that Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies have patched things up is amazing - those guys used to be at odds over creative differences... but now they're working together again ๐Ÿค.

It's just a great reminder that even with all the ups and downs, passion and love for music can take you on an incredible journey ๐Ÿ’–. And The Damned are proof of that!
 
OMG, 50 yrs is a huge deal! ๐ŸŽ‰ Did u know that the Damned has released over 15 studio albums & sold over 10 million records worldwide?! ๐Ÿคฏ Their music has had such a huge influence on punk, goth, and psychedelic rock genres. ๐ŸŒช๏ธ The band's discography is full of classics like "New Rose", "Love Song", & "Bela Lugosi's Dead"! ๐Ÿ’€ Can u imagine how many people have been inspired by their unique sound?! ๐Ÿค”

Here's a fun fact: the Damned has had 3 lead vocalists - Dave Vanian, Brian James, and Captain Sensible. Each one brought their own style & energy to the band! ๐ŸŽธ The band's original lineup was formed in 1976 & they were part of the UK punk movement. Fast forward to today, they're still going strong & rocking out with new music & covers of 60s garage bands! ๐Ÿค˜
 
๐Ÿค˜ OMG, 50 years of The Damned is a big deal! I'm so glad they're back together and doing well ๐ŸŽ‰. It's crazy how much drama and break-ups they've had over the years but it seems like Dave Vanian has kept everyone in line now ๐Ÿ˜…. Their music always sounded so different, but you can hear that 60s garage band vibe in their new album. I'm actually kinda excited to check it out ๐ŸŽถ!
 
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