Over 50 years into their career, the Damned have managed to defy expectations of what a punk band should be. With Dave Vanian being the sole constant member, the group's sound has constantly evolved - "the flavour of the band is always going to change," he admits. The chemistry between the three members - Sensible and Scabies having had previous stints out of the band - has been crucial in shaping the Damned's identity.
The history of the Damned is as convoluted as it is fascinating, with three break-ups, multiple lineup changes, and 33 different musicians contributing to their music. There have been times when the remaining members have questioned whether they'd still be playing if they weren't driven by passion for music alone.
Captain Sensible credits the band's longevity to "the fact that we're all genuinely funny blokes" - a quality that Scabies has carried over from his role as mod frontman Rat Scabies, whose exploits are chronicled in book form. The two have even started on a new album together, following Vanian and Sensible back into the studio after their first collaboration since 1995.
Sensible acknowledges that being punk meant "doing something for yourself," which suited him perfectly. In contrast to his bandmates, who were initially unsure of themselves, Scabies says there were no rules - "it was a bunch of kids having a laugh." These early DIY days may have given them a unique edge in terms of authenticity.
The Damned are now bigger than ever, with recent chart-topping albums and a forthcoming Wembley Arena gig that promises to be an unforgettable event. For the first time ever, relations between the band members seem solid, thanks largely to their mutual decision to forgive and forget past differences.
In reflecting on their 50-year journey, the Damned have come to realize the importance of living as they wanted to - making music without external pressures or expectations. As long as Dave Vanian can still command the stage with his signature swagger and voice, this iconic band will continue to thrive.
The history of the Damned is as convoluted as it is fascinating, with three break-ups, multiple lineup changes, and 33 different musicians contributing to their music. There have been times when the remaining members have questioned whether they'd still be playing if they weren't driven by passion for music alone.
Captain Sensible credits the band's longevity to "the fact that we're all genuinely funny blokes" - a quality that Scabies has carried over from his role as mod frontman Rat Scabies, whose exploits are chronicled in book form. The two have even started on a new album together, following Vanian and Sensible back into the studio after their first collaboration since 1995.
Sensible acknowledges that being punk meant "doing something for yourself," which suited him perfectly. In contrast to his bandmates, who were initially unsure of themselves, Scabies says there were no rules - "it was a bunch of kids having a laugh." These early DIY days may have given them a unique edge in terms of authenticity.
The Damned are now bigger than ever, with recent chart-topping albums and a forthcoming Wembley Arena gig that promises to be an unforgettable event. For the first time ever, relations between the band members seem solid, thanks largely to their mutual decision to forgive and forget past differences.
In reflecting on their 50-year journey, the Damned have come to realize the importance of living as they wanted to - making music without external pressures or expectations. As long as Dave Vanian can still command the stage with his signature swagger and voice, this iconic band will continue to thrive.
. 50 years in and still killing it! They've had their ups and downs like any band, but what's key is they never lost sight of what made 'em tick - their passion for music and each other. And let's be real, their attitude is infectious 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to be part of a band that's all about embracing chaos and having a laugh? They're proof that with good vibes and genuine mates, you can make it last a lifetime 
. Now, I'm hyped for that Wembley show - Vanian's still got the stage presence like nobody's business!
It's amazing how they've managed to evolve their sound while still keeping that raw energy intact. Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies have got some serious chemistry going on, it's like they're two peas in a pod (minus the drama between them lol). I'm excited to see what they come up with next, especially since they're finally on solid ground with each other. Forgiveness is key, right? 
It'll be wild to see them kill it at Wembley Arena!
... like, 50 yrs is a big deal, but it's also kinda crazy they're still making music without completely imploding 
. Captain Sensible's right though, having a good sense of humor has been key to all these years, no question 
. But seriously, how many people can say they've had 33 different musicians in their band and still manage to make it out alive? 
so I think its awesome how The Damned have pushed boundaries & adapted their sound over 50 yrs without losing their edge! 
i mean who else can say theyve been makin music 4 that long w/o losin ur edge?? 
The Damned are literally the ultimate example of how passion and friendship can take a punk band from being a tiny DIY outfit to becoming legends 
. It's awesome that the chemistry between them has held up all these years - that takes some serious bond-building 
. And let's be real, Captain Sensible's sense of humor is everything 
!
Captain Sensible's right though "we're all genuinely funny blokes" that's def played a role in their longevity 
anyway I'm hyped they're back with new music & a Wembley gig can't wait to see them bring the house down 
, there's some crazy stuff goin' down behind the scenes here. I mean, think about it - a punk band that's been around for 50 years? That's wild! And they've managed to keep it together all this time without losin' their edge? 
.
! It's like, they've proven that punk rock is all about embracing change and staying true to yourself. I mean, who else can say they've been through three break-ups and still managed to come out stronger? Their commitment to making music for the sake of it is truly inspiring - they're living proof that you don't need external validation to create something amazing 
!
... like 10 firefighters injured already and it's supposed to spread to multiple national parks ... meanwhile the damned are looking good for a comeback concert at wembley 