The Damned Celebrate 50 Years with New Covers Album and Live Shows
The influential UK punk band, The Damned, is celebrating 50 years of musical chaos with a new covers album and live performances. Their latest release, “Not Like Everybody Else,” is a vibrant homage to the late 1960s rock scene, featuring their iconic raw energy. The band, consisting of Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, Rat Scabies, Paul Gray, and Monty Oxymoron, has returned to their roots by recording this album in just five days at Revolver Studio in Los Angeles.
A standout feature of the album is the return of Rat Scabies to the studio after a 40-year hiatus, making this a deeply personal and celebratory tribute to their late guitarist, Brian James. The collection covers a range of classics, from R. Dean Taylor’s ‘There’s A Ghost In My House’ to Pink Floyd’s ‘See Emily Play’ and The Animals’ ‘When I Was Young.’ Concluding with a poignant rendition of The Rolling Stones’ ‘The Last Time,’ featuring Brian James, recorded during his final shows with the band, this album is a testament to their enduring legacy.
In addition to the standard CD and vinyl releases, “Not Like Everybody Else” will be available in a limited Rainbow Sparkle vinyl edition and a high-quality audiophile pressing. To commemorate this release, The Damned will be performing at special covers shows in Manchester, Paris, and Cologne, showcasing tracks from the album alongside fan-favorite covers like ‘White Rabbit’ and ‘Eloise.’ Furthermore, the band is set to perform live renditions of the album exclusively on BBC Radio 6, giving fans a taste of their electrifying energy.
The Damned’s storied history in punk rock began with the release of the first UK punk single, ‘New Rose,’ in 1976, followed by their debut album “Damned, Damned, Damned” in 1977. Brian James’s departure after the release of their second album, “Music For Pleasure,” marked a pivotal moment in the band’s evolution. The upcoming 50th-anniversary show at OVO Arena Wembley on April 11, 2026, will serve as a glorious celebration of five decades of pioneering British punk rock.
With a legacy that spans half a century, The Damned continue to push boundaries and captivate audiences with their unique sound and rebellious spirit. As they embark on this new chapter, fans can expect an unforgettable musical journey that pays tribute to their roots while celebrating the future of punk rock. Join The Damned on their upcoming live shows and immerse yourself in the unruly energy of a band that refuses to conform and remains as defiant as ever.