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Band Timeline
1976
Formation and Introduction to Punk Rock
The Damned were formed in London in 1976 by Dave Vanian (vocals), Brian James (guitar), Captain Sensible (bass), and Rat Scabies (drums). Before forming The Damned, members were involved in other bands such as Masters of the Backside and London SS. Their first live performance was on 6 July 1976, supporting the Sex Pistols at the 100 Club. The band quickly entered the UK punk scene, gaining attention with an energetic style and solid musicianship.
1976
First Punk Single Release - 'New Rose'
On 22 October 1976, The Damned released their debut single "New Rose" on Stiff Records, marking the first single ever released by a UK punk band. This release preceded the Sex Pistols’ debut single and is seen as a landmark moment in punk rock history. The single featured a fast-paced cover of the Beatles' "Help!" as its B-side, quickly establishing the band’s reputation for aggressive, pioneering punk music.
1977
Debut Album and Early Success
In 1977, The Damned released their debut studio album, "Damned Damned Damned," which was among the first punk albums in the UK. Shortly after came their follow-up album, "Music for Pleasure," but it was met with poor reviews. Despite initial success, the band temporarily dissolved after this critical setback. However, their raw sound and early releases strongly influenced the burgeoning punk scene both in the UK and the United States, where they were among the first UK punk bands to tour.
1979
Reformation and 'Machine Gun Etiquette'
After a brief breakup, The Damned re-formed in 1979 without original guitarist Brian James. They released "Machine Gun Etiquette," an album that marked a stylistic evolution incorporating stronger melodies and diverse influences beyond raw punk. This album was critically acclaimed and revitalized the band's presence in the music scene, emphasizing their resilience and ability to adapt their sound while maintaining punk energy.
1980–1986
Gothic Rock Phase and Lineup Changes
During the early to mid-1980s, The Damned released four studio albums including "The Black Album" (1980), "Strawberries" (1982), "Phantasmagoria" (1985), and "Anything" (1986). This period marked a shift toward gothic rock, with darker lyrical themes and atmospheric music. Captain Sensible left the band in 1984, and the band's lineup saw further changes. Despite these shifts, the band maintained a dedicated fan base and contributed significantly to gothic rock's development.
1988–1989
Reunion and 'Final Damnation' Live Album
In 1988, original members including Brian James and Captain Sensible reunited for a series of reunion concerts. One of these was recorded and released as the live album "Final Damnation" in 1989. This reunion showcased the band's enduring appeal and celebrated their legacy as punk pioneers. It also catalyzed further regroupings and projects in the upcoming decades.
1991–1995
1990s Activity and 'Not of This Earth' Album
The Damned re-formed again for a 1991 tour and then released "Not of This Earth" in 1995. This album was significant as it was drummer Rat Scabies's last recording with the band. The band continued to experiment with their style during this era, combining punk roots with gothic and alternative elements, maintaining relevance while navigating changing musical landscapes of the 1990s.
2001–2008
New Studio Albums and Stability
The Damned released two more studio albums, "Grave Disorder" (2001) and "So, Who’s Paranoid?" (2008), continuing to evolve their sound. During this period, the lineup included Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, Monty Oxymoron (keyboards), and others, representing a relatively stable phase. Their consistent touring and recordings helped the band maintain a loyal fan base across punk and gothic rock communities.
2018
Commercial Resurgence with 'Evil Spirits'
In 2018, The Damned released "Evil Spirits," their first studio album to enter the Official Charts top-10, peaking at number 7. This release marked a commercial resurgence for the band over 40 years after their formation, demonstrating their lasting influence. The album blended their punk roots with gothic and hard rock elements, appealing to long-time followers and new listeners alike.
2023
Latest Album 'Darkadelic' and Continuing Legacy
The Damned released their most recent album, "Darkadelic," in 2023, which also achieved a top-10 position on the UK Official Charts at number 9. Despite numerous lineup changes over the decades, the band continues to perform and record, underscoring their significance in punk and gothic rock history. The return of drummer Rat Scabies in 2023 highlighted the band's longevity and commitment to their musical heritage.
Albums
Damned Damned Damned
12 tracks
1977
Music for Pleasure
11 tracks
1977
Machine Gun Etiquette
12 tracks
1979
The Black Album
11 tracks
1980
Strawberries
11 tracks
1982
Phantasmagoria
9 tracks
1985
Anything
9 tracks
1986
Not of This Earth
12 tracks
1995
Grave Disorder
13 tracks
2001
So, Who’s Paranoid?
13 tracks
2008
Evil Spirits
10 tracks
2018
Darkadelic
12 tracks
2023
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Members
Current
Name
Begin
Occupation
Algy Ward
N/A
Paul Gray
2017
Dave Vanian
1976
Lu Edmonds
N/A
Captain Sensible
1976
Pinch
1999
Drums (drum set)
Monty Oxymoron
1996
Paul Shepley
N/A
Garrie Dreadful
N/A
Jon Moss
N/A
Moose Harris
N/A
Kris Dollimore
N/A
History
Name
Begin
End
Occupation
Brian James
N/A
N/A
Roman Jugg
1984
1989
Guitar
Roman Jugg
1981
1989
Keyboard
Patricia Morrison
1996
2004
Rat Scabies
1976
1995
Stu West
2004
2017
Bryn Merrick
1983
1989
Alan Lee Shaw
1993
1996
Story of The Damned
The Damned, formed in London in 1976, are seminal figures in UK punk rock. The original lineup—Dave Vanian (vocals), Brian James (guitar), Captain Sensible (bass, later guitar), and Rat Scabies (drums)—blasted onto the scene, becoming the first UK punk band to release a single ("New Rose," 1976), a studio album (Damned Damned Damned, 1977), and tour the US. Nine of their singles cracked the UK Top 40.
Following the critically panned Music for Pleasure (1977), the band briefly dissolved, only to quickly reform without James, releasing Machine Gun Etiquette (1979). The 1980s saw a stylistic shift towards gothic rock with four albums: The Black Album (1980), Strawberries (1982), Phantasmagoria (1985), and Anything (1986). Sensible`s departure in 1984 marked a turning point, leaving him absent from the latter two records. A 1988 reunion tour, featuring James and Sensible, culminated in the live album Final Damnation (1989).
Their raw, fast-paced punk sound significantly impacted the development of hardcore punk in both the UK and US during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The Damned continued to reform and tour, with a notable resurgence in 1991.
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