The Damned: Five decades of creative chaos.
There isn't one songwriter, and so the flavour of the band is always going to change, says Dave Vanian, reflecting on 50 years of the group which he has been the sole constant member. Captain Sensible's writing is very poppy, melodic and quite wonderful; his is more melodramatic, more theatrical. Rat Scabies was a mod who really loved bands like the Who; their approach would either not work at all, or be an absolute firecracker.
The Damned have had three break-ups: in the late 70s, late 80s and early 90s; Sensible and Scabies have had repeated spells out of the band. This time around, the trio is reunited, releasing a new album and gearing up to mark their half-century with a gig at Wembley Arena.
The Damned's history is so convoluted it's actually done them harm. Where everyone understands who and what their contemporaries like Sex Pistols and Clash were, it's much harder with the Damned. They released the UK's first punk single New Rose before diverting to psychedelic pop. But to many listeners they're one of the definitive goth bands.
The band has had 33 different members over the years. "Everyone in the band thought they were the best one in it," Scabies says. Yet, despite the constant line-up changes, there's always been three people that fans know and love: Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, and Rat Scabies.
Captain Sensible has a very different style from his bandmates; "He would have made a very good actor." However, for all their creative chaos, they did make the music they wanted to make. As long as he can still swoop across the stage like a vampire, and deliver those songs in that stern baritone, Vanian will continue.
The Damned provided a chance for its members to live as the people they wanted to be; this freedom allowed them to remain true to themselves even when things got chaotic. For the first time ever, things seem to be peachy. "We wouldn't still be playing if we'd got stinking rich," Sensible says, adding that he bloody enjoys the shows and travel.
Despite their wild past, there's now a sense of camaraderie between Vanian, Sensible, and Scabies; they've all said that life is too short to spend it dwelling on old grudges. "I don't want to go out being miserable," Scabies says. As long as they keep delivering those songs in their unique style, there's no doubt the Damned will continue to thrive for years to come.
There isn't one songwriter, and so the flavour of the band is always going to change, says Dave Vanian, reflecting on 50 years of the group which he has been the sole constant member. Captain Sensible's writing is very poppy, melodic and quite wonderful; his is more melodramatic, more theatrical. Rat Scabies was a mod who really loved bands like the Who; their approach would either not work at all, or be an absolute firecracker.
The Damned have had three break-ups: in the late 70s, late 80s and early 90s; Sensible and Scabies have had repeated spells out of the band. This time around, the trio is reunited, releasing a new album and gearing up to mark their half-century with a gig at Wembley Arena.
The Damned's history is so convoluted it's actually done them harm. Where everyone understands who and what their contemporaries like Sex Pistols and Clash were, it's much harder with the Damned. They released the UK's first punk single New Rose before diverting to psychedelic pop. But to many listeners they're one of the definitive goth bands.
The band has had 33 different members over the years. "Everyone in the band thought they were the best one in it," Scabies says. Yet, despite the constant line-up changes, there's always been three people that fans know and love: Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, and Rat Scabies.
Captain Sensible has a very different style from his bandmates; "He would have made a very good actor." However, for all their creative chaos, they did make the music they wanted to make. As long as he can still swoop across the stage like a vampire, and deliver those songs in that stern baritone, Vanian will continue.
The Damned provided a chance for its members to live as the people they wanted to be; this freedom allowed them to remain true to themselves even when things got chaotic. For the first time ever, things seem to be peachy. "We wouldn't still be playing if we'd got stinking rich," Sensible says, adding that he bloody enjoys the shows and travel.
Despite their wild past, there's now a sense of camaraderie between Vanian, Sensible, and Scabies; they've all said that life is too short to spend it dwelling on old grudges. "I don't want to go out being miserable," Scabies says. As long as they keep delivering those songs in their unique style, there's no doubt the Damned will continue to thrive for years to come.
50 yrs of creative chaos is def a testament to their freedom and individuality. I mean, who else can say they've been punk rock, psychedelia pop, and goth all at once? 
Their history might be convoluted but that's part of the charm. The fact that fans know & love 3 core members (Vanian, Sensible, Scabies) is a testament to their dedication. 
It's great to see them putting aside past drama for a gig at Wembley Arena - can't wait to see them swoop across the stage like vampires!
I mean, who else can say they've been through so many line-up changes and still managed to create iconic music like The Damned? 
The fact that Captain Sensible's writing is super poppy & melodic while Rat Scabies' is more dramatic & theatrical is just genius! 
And let's be real, Dave Vanian's vampy stage presence is EVERYTHING 
. I'm loving the new album & Wembley Arena gig - can't wait to see them perform live! 
. I love how they've never been afraid to experiment and try new things - from punk to psychedelic pop. And can we talk about Captain Sensible's style? He's like a theatrical rockstar 
! 
. With this new album and Wembley Arena show, I'm hyped to see what they've got in store for us! 
Oh man, I'm so stoked to see The Damned back together after all these years! 50 years of creative chaos is like, a badge of honor? They've always been about pushing boundaries and making music that's true to themselves, and it's amazing to see them still rocking on. 
It's awesome to see them all still having so much fun and not letting past grudges get in the way of their music. And let's be real, who wouldn't want to spend their days playing shows and traveling with your best mates? 
. For me, The Damned will always be the goth band that dares to be different 
. It's amazing how they've managed to stay true to themselves despite all the ups & downs. And I'm so down for more of their unique blend of punk, psychedelia, and theatricality 
. This reunion is giving me all the feels - let's hope they keep delivering those awesome shows! 
anyway it sounds cool that they're making new music and performing at wembley arena... what's the point of releasing a new album when u already have so many old ones tho 
i mean, dont get me wrong, its dope that captain sensible is still going strong but ratty scabies looks like he could've retired ages ago 
I've always thought that the Damned's unpredictability was a strength not a weakness! 
It's like their music is a visual representation of their chaotic lives - all over the place but somehow cohesive at the same time! 
And can we talk about how underrated Captain Sensible is? The guy has a totally different style from his bandmates, but he's still killing it on stage! 
It's gonna be a wild show! 
rat scabies wasnt exactly subtle with his musical style 
They've had so many line-up changes, it's crazy! But one thing that never changed was their creative energy 
.
! They've got a new album out and it's like they never stopped making music 
. And honestly, who doesn't love a good underdog story?