Since we last saw The Damned perform at Brighton Dome in 2023 (review here) they seemed to be at the peak of their powers. Since then, and with no signs of resting on their laurels, their drummer Rat Scabies has rejoined the fold, they released a well-received covers album in tribute to their late guitarist and songwriter Brian James and they’ve just played a headline show at Wembley Arena.
Now, as part of their Final Damnation 50 world tour, they return to the Dome, an incredible fifty years since the release of one of the defining records of the first wave of punk rock, New Rose. For their Wembley show they performed sets based on their punk and goth periods and their live performances only seem to improve with time, putting young pretenders to shame with their energy. Captain Sensible says: “With 50 years of catalogue to choose from, only the best songs from our chequered history will be performed, and with the passion and commitment all good music lovers deserve. You know we won’t disappoint.”
If that’s not enough, they will be supported by Australian punk trailblazers The Saints ’73-’78, who celebrated their own half century with a huge tour where founding members Ed Kuepper and Ivor Hay (singer Chris Bailey died in 2022), were joined by Mark Arm (Mudhoney), Mick Harvey (The Bad Seeds), and Peter Oxley (Sunnyboys) to perform classic tracks from the band’s first three albums such as (I’m) Stranded and Know Your Product.
This is a unique opportunity to witness two pioneering punk bands play their classic songs in a wonderful venue.
The Damned play Brighton Dome on Wednesday 25th November. Tickets are on sale here this Friday 1st May at 10am.
