The Damned are a British punk rock band formed in London in 1976. They are one of the earliest bands to emerge from the UK punk rock scene and are often considered one of the pioneering groups in the genre. Known for their theatrical live performances and diverse musical style, The Damned have had a long and influential career. Here are some key points about The Damned:
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Formation and Original Lineup: The Damned were formed by Dave Vanian (vocals), Captain Sensible (guitar), Brian James (guitar), Rat Scabies (drums), and Raymond Burns, also known as Captain Chaos (bass). Sensible played bass initially but later switched to guitar, and Algy Ward replaced him on bass.
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Punk Pioneers: The Damned were one of the first punk rock bands in the UK, and their debut single, "New Rose" (1976), is often considered the first punk single to be released.
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Debut Album: Their debut album, "Damned Damned Damned," was released in 1977 and is a seminal work in the punk rock genre. It features songs like "Neat Neat Neat" and "Stab Yor Back."
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Theatrical Live Performances: The Damned were known for their theatrical and often chaotic live shows. They embraced a gothic and horror-inspired image, with Vanian adopting a vampire-like persona.
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Personnel Changes:
The Damned went through several lineup changes over the years, with Dave Vanian and Captain Sensible being the two constant members.
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Diverse Musical Style: The Damned's music evolved over the years to incorporate elements of gothic rock, psychedelic rock, and even new wave, making them one of the most musically diverse bands to emerge from the punk scene.
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Album Highlights:
In addition to their debut, their album "Machine Gun Etiquette" (1979) is considered a punk classic. The song "Smash It Up" is a notable track.
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Reunion and Continuing Activity:
The Damned disbanded at various points but have reunited multiple times. They continue to tour and release new music, with a core lineup that often includes Vanian and Sensible.
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Influence: The Damned's early work, along with their musical experimentation, has made them influential in punk rock, post-punk, and the broader alternative music scene.
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Cultural Impact: The Damned's contribution to the punk rock movement, as one of the founding bands, cannot be overstated. They were part of the first wave of punk bands that disrupted the music industry.
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Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: The Damned have not been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, despite their pioneering role in the punk rock movement.
The Damned's pioneering role in the early punk scene, their diverse musical evolution, and their influence on subsequent punk and alternative rock bands have solidified their place in rock music history.
