The Damned, one of the UK's most influential punk bands, are celebrating 50 years since their formation in 1973. The band has undergone numerous lineup changes, break-ups, and reunions over the decades, but three members have remained constant throughout: Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, and Rat Scabies.
Reflecting on 50 years of the group, Vanian notes that there isn't one songwriter, leading to a diverse range of musical styles. "Captain's got a great love for syrupy pop music and prog and glam rock," he says. "My writing is more melodramatic, more theatrical." Scabies, meanwhile, was drawn to mod bands like the Who.
The Damned released the UK's first punk single, New Rose, before exploring psychedelic pop and eventually becoming one of the defining goth bands. Despite numerous lineup changes and break-ups, the three remaining members are now united once again, releasing a new album and preparing to perform at Wembley Arena.
In an interview, Sensible recalls the band's chaotic past: "We were always the outliers – we didn't want to be part of the corporate machine... We went on a musical adventure." Scabies agrees, noting that the Damned's DIY ethos allowed them to tap into their own unique style. "There were no rules," he says. "It was a bunch of kids having a laugh."
The band has experienced periods of relative commercial success, including a stint with MCA Records in the 1980s. However, Sensible insists that wealth would have stifled their creative drive: "We wouldn't still be playing if we'd got stinking rich." The Damned's commitment to their art and their audience remains unwavering.
As they approach this milestone, Vanian ponders his own legacy: "You'll know it's time for me to quit when I start leaning on the mic to sing Sinatra songs... until that day comes, I'm still here, still singing." The Damned will continue to perform and create music as long as their energy remains high.
Reflecting on 50 years of the group, Vanian notes that there isn't one songwriter, leading to a diverse range of musical styles. "Captain's got a great love for syrupy pop music and prog and glam rock," he says. "My writing is more melodramatic, more theatrical." Scabies, meanwhile, was drawn to mod bands like the Who.
The Damned released the UK's first punk single, New Rose, before exploring psychedelic pop and eventually becoming one of the defining goth bands. Despite numerous lineup changes and break-ups, the three remaining members are now united once again, releasing a new album and preparing to perform at Wembley Arena.
In an interview, Sensible recalls the band's chaotic past: "We were always the outliers – we didn't want to be part of the corporate machine... We went on a musical adventure." Scabies agrees, noting that the Damned's DIY ethos allowed them to tap into their own unique style. "There were no rules," he says. "It was a bunch of kids having a laugh."
The band has experienced periods of relative commercial success, including a stint with MCA Records in the 1980s. However, Sensible insists that wealth would have stifled their creative drive: "We wouldn't still be playing if we'd got stinking rich." The Damned's commitment to their art and their audience remains unwavering.
As they approach this milestone, Vanian ponders his own legacy: "You'll know it's time for me to quit when I start leaning on the mic to sing Sinatra songs... until that day comes, I'm still here, still singing." The Damned will continue to perform and create music as long as their energy remains high.
! Can you even imagine having a band with three different songwriters and a bunch of lineup changes? I mean, it's no wonder they've had so much creative freedom - they never felt tied down to one specific sound. From punk to psychedelia to goth rock, they just went for it and explored all these different styles. 
) and Rat Scabies' mod vibes.
), I think we've got a good few more years with The Damned! 
They're actually still making new music after 50 years 
. I mean, it's crazy that Captain Sensible has always been into that weird pop and prog rock stuff 
while Dave Vanian is more into that dramatic goth vibe 
. And Rat Scabies' love for mod bands like The Who is just cool 
. They're really still having a laugh and not letting commercial success change them 
The Damned is like a punk rock rollercoaster ride of emotions - all over the place and utterly fascinating! I mean, 50 years is a big deal, but it's not like they've been together for that long without a break-up or two... or three. 
gotta respect these dudes, they're still rocking after all these years! 50 yrs is a huge deal and they've been through so much - lineup changes, break-ups, reunions... it's crazy how the core members have remained constant. And you can hear their passion in Dave's words about not wanting to get too commercial. 
. It's crazy how they've managed to stay true to themselves despite all the lineup changes. 
Dave Vanian's melodramatic style is actually kinda cool 
. Can't wait to see what the future holds for this iconic band 
they've been through like, so much in 50 years, but they're still going strong 
it's amazing how they've maintained that DIY ethos and creative drive all these years... I think that's what's kept them relevant, you know? They're not afraid to take risks and try new things 
even with lineup changes, the music has always stayed true to themselves. And I love how Captain Sensible is keeping it real about not wanting to be part of the corporate machine 
- they've always been about making music for the sake of making music 
! But you know what? They've still managed to produce some of the most iconic punk anthems ever 
. And let's be real, their music is all about energy and rebellion 
!
, my friends! The Damned's 50-year journey proves that even when the band members change, the passion and creativity remain 
. Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, and Rat Scabies have demonstrated an incredible ability to evolve, experimenting with different styles while staying true to their artistic vision 
. It's a valuable lesson for us all – we don't have to be tied to one specific path or persona; it's okay to explore new horizons as long as our core values remain intact 
. And let's not forget the importance of community 
; the Damned's commitment to their fans has kept them going, a testament to the power of connection and shared passion 
.
. They've had ups and downs, but they're still going strong, which is awesome 
. I mean, come on, Captain Sensible was a punk band member in the 70s? That's like me saying I was a professional cage fighter in my youth 
. The fact that they've had so many lineup changes and break-ups just proves they couldn't even keep it together for more than a few years 
.
.
. I love that they've always stuck to their DIY ethos and never compromised on their art 
, though! 
. The Damned are living proof that creativity knows no bounds, even after five decades of making noise 
.