Damned: 50 Years of Chaos and Comebacks

The Damned, pioneers of the UK punk scene, are celebrating 50 years with a reunion of their core members: Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, and Rat Scabies. Despite a history fraught with three major break-ups and numerous lineup changes since their inception around 1977, the trio has now come together for a new album. This forthcoming release, their first featuring all three since 1995, is dedicated to founding guitarist Brian James, who passed away in March 2025. It comprises covers of songs that influenced the band's formative years.

The band's convoluted history, marked by shifting record labels and a diverse musical output ranging from punk to gothic rock and psychedelic pop, has made them harder to define than contemporaries like the Sex Pistols or The Clash. Despite releasing the UK's first punk single, 'New Rose,' The Damned often diverted from a strict punk sound, even featuring a 17-minute progressive rock epic on their 1980 album. Their journey through nine different labels across 13 studio albums, alongside numerous live and compilation releases, has been largely outside the members' control.

Now, with their Wembley Arena gig and highest-charting albums to date, The Damned appear to be in a stronger position than ever. The members express satisfaction with their independent path, valuing the creative freedom and personal journey punk offered. This era marks a period of renewed camaraderie and musical exploration for the band, as they embrace their legacy and continue to perform.