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The Damned Honor Brian James with Covers Album
23 Jan
Summary
- The Damned released a covers album honoring guitarist Brian James.
- The album features songs Brian James personally favored.
- This release coincides with The Damned's 50th anniversary tour.
The punk band The Damned is honoring their founding guitarist, Brian James, who passed away on March 6, 2025, at age 74, with a new covers album. Titled 'Not Like Everybody Else,' the album features 10 songs that were personal favorites of James. The record's release coincides with The Damned's 50th anniversary celebrations this year. The current band members, including co-founders Captain Sensible, Dave Vanian, and Rat Scabies, recorded the album over five days with producer Mikal Blue.
Drummer Rat Scabies, who has not recorded with The Damned in 30 years, explained that the album was an homage to the artists who influenced Brian James. These included bands like The Kinks, R. Dean Taylor, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Yardbirds, The Animals, and Iggy and the Stooges. Captain Sensible noted that James's musical tastes extended beyond punk, influencing the band's own sound and vision.
As 'Not Like Everybody Else' is released, The Damned have scheduled Q&A sessions and signings beginning January 23, 2026, in London. They also have upcoming shows across Europe and the UK, culminating in a 50th Anniversary concert on April 11, 2026, at OVO Arena Wembley in London. The band members are currently exploring the possibility of creating new music together.
