The Damned: Punk Rock & Goth Pioneers!

The Damned were a pioneering punk rock band from London, known for their fast-paced, energetic music and rebellious attitude. They were one of the first bands to emerge from the UK punk scene in the 1970s, and their raw, aggressive sound helped define the genre. The Damned's music was characterized by its loud, distorted guitars, driving rhythms, and confrontational lyrics, making them a key player in the development of punk music.

Captain Sensible was The Damned's lead guitarist following the band's 1978 reunion. He first joined the band in 1976 as their bassist but switched to guitar after the original guitarist left. Captain Sensible played a crucial role in the band's success during the late 1970s and early 1980s, contributing to their unique sound and stage presence.

Ray Burns and Chris Millar were known by the stage names Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies, respectively, during their time as members of The Damned. These pseudonyms were adopted as part of the punk rock aesthetic of the band, adding an element of mystery and rebellion to their personas as musicians. The names also helped to distinguish them within the punk scene and create a sense of identity and individuality for each member.

The Offspring covered The Damned's single "Smash It Up" for the soundtrack to "Batman Forever". This cover was included in the film's soundtrack, giving The Offspring's take on the punk rock classic a new audience through the popular superhero movie.

Nick Mason, the drummer for Pink Floyd, produced The Damned's "Music for Pleasure" album. This collaboration between members of different bands allowed Mason to showcase his production skills outside of Pink Floyd, contributing to the unique sound of The Damned's album.

After The Damned's break-up and reunion in 1978, they released their third studio album titled "Machine Gun Etiquette." This album marked a shift in their sound, incorporating elements of punk rock, gothic rock, and psychedelic rock. It is considered a classic in the punk rock genre and is praised for its innovative and experimental approach to music.

The debut single released by The Damned in 1976 was "New Rose", which is considered to be one of the first punk rock singles ever released. The song's fast-paced and raw energy captured the essence of the emerging punk rock scene at that time, making it a significant and influential track in the history of punk music.

Dave Vanian was the lead vocalist of The Damned when they first formed. He is known for his distinctive gothic appearance and powerful vocals, which helped define the band's sound and image. Vanian's charismatic stage presence and unique voice played a significant role in establishing The Damned as one of the pioneering bands of the punk rock movement in the 1970s.

The Damned released their album Machine Gun Etiquette in 1979, marking a significant shift in their sound towards a more experimental and diverse approach compared to their previous work. This album is often regarded as a seminal release in the punk rock genre, showcasing the band's musical evolution and innovation during that time period.

Captain Sensible is known for his eccentric stage presence in The Damned due to his flamboyant costumes, wild antics, and energetic performances. His theatrical and unpredictable behavior on stage has made him a standout member of the band and a memorable figure in the punk rock scene.

The Damned originally formed in London, which is known for its vibrant music scene and has been a hub for many influential bands throughout history. This city provided the band with a platform to showcase their unique sound and gain recognition in the music industry.

The track "Smash It Up" is featured on the album Machine Gun Etiquette.

Captain Sensible, a member of the band The Damned, later had a solo hit with the song "Happy Talk". This successful solo career allowed him to showcase his musical talents outside of the band setting, gaining recognition and popularity for his work as a solo artist.

The Damned were the first UK punk band to sign with Stiff Records, a pioneering independent record label known for its support of punk and new wave music in the late 1970s. Stiff Records played a crucial role in the development of the punk rock scene in the UK, signing influential bands like The Damned and releasing groundbreaking music that helped shape the sound of the era.

Dave Vanian's image has been consistently influenced by the Gothic horror aesthetic. This can be seen in his dark and mysterious appearance, as well as his music and stage presence which often incorporate elements of horror, darkness, and the macabre. The Gothic aesthetic is characterized by themes of death, decay, and the supernatural, which aligns well with Vanian's persona and artistic expression.

The Damned's 1985 album Phantasmagoria marked a shift to a Gothic musical style, characterized by dark and atmospheric elements, haunting melodies, and introspective lyrics. This change in musical direction reflected the band's experimentation with darker themes and a more atmospheric sound, setting them apart from their previous punk rock roots.