A legendary UK punk band, The Damned first performed in July 1976 and soon became famous for their stage act: Sensible in his tutu and feather boa, Vanian with his Dracula-inspired look, and each member rucking with members of the audience in traditional punk style. They were soon signed to Stiff Records and followed their first LP and single with a tour of the US (they were the first UK punk band to do all this). The second record they produced wasn’t received so well and The Damned called it quits in early 1978, with each of the members forming a new band.
In 1979 they reformed, but without Brian James, as The Doomed (Brian James retained the rights to the name “The Damned” and didn’t let it go until early in 1980) with Henry Badowski on bass for a while, and then “Algy” (Alistair Ward). The band’s biggest hits were produced during this time, including “Love Song” and “Smash It Up”.
In 1982 Captain Sensible began forging a solo career with minor hits like “Wot” and ” Happy Talk”, but remained with The Damned for the most part, before quitting “for good” in 1984. They continued touring and recording until 1989 when they embarked on a “farewell tour” that summer.
Well, The Damned returned. Several incarnations since their formation, the band currently comprises Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, Monty Oxy Moron, Stu West and Pinch.
Over 30 years on from their inception, the heart of The Damned that is David Vanian and Captain Sensible beats stronger than ever, as proven recently with 2008 album So, Who’s Paranoid? Their trademark dark, melodic beauty, tinged with jagged satire is truly timeless and very much intact. They might be a band with an incredible past but The Damned are very much here and now.
