The Damned at 50: Punk Legends Reflect on Fame, Goth Glory, and Quest for the Holy Grail!

“A band’s essence always evolves with its members,” observes Dave Vanian, who has been the consistent presence in the Damned for half a century. “Captain Sensible loves his sweet pop and progressive rock, which reflects in his catchy and delightful compositions. I tend to write in a more dramatic, theatrical style. And Rat Scabies, with his mod background, brings in his admiration for bands like the Who. This mix could have been disastrous, or it could have been spectacular.” Indeed, the Damned’s history shows it has been both at times.

The band has seen three splits: in the late 70s, late 80s, and early 90s; both Sensible and Scabies have left and rejoined multiple times, with Scabies only returning in 2022 after a 27-year hiatus. “The major disagreements were between him and Captain,” Vanian notes, though it seems at some point, each of the core members has had significant fallouts with the others.

In 1977, frustrated with the group, Scabies exited mid-tour in France, later replaced by Jon Moss, who would go on to join Culture Club. Then, in 1978, original guitarist and songwriter Brian James left, prompting a regrouping of the remaining members. In the 1980s, Sensible’s successful solo career caused friction, leading to his departure and subsequent breakdown. In a significant rift, Vanian ended his friendship with Scabies when Scabies unauthorized the release of the album Not of This Earth in 1995. Despite past issues, the original trio has reunited to release a new album and celebrate their 50-year milestone with a concert at Wembley Arena.

The tangled history of the Damned has sometimes worked against them. Unlike their contemporaries the Sex Pistols and the Clash, the Damned’s identity is less clear. They debuted the UK’s first punk single, “New Rose,” then shifted towards psychedelic pop, but many recognize them as a quintessential goth band. Their 13 albums have been released across nine different labels, preventing a comprehensive reissue series that a band of their stature might expect. Despite this, there have been 23 live albums and an astounding 30 compilations. “We lost control over it,” admits Scabies. “We signed those contracts without fully considering the implications.”

The band has seen 33 different members over the years. However, nowadays, the core image of the Damned is firmly Vanian, Sensible, Scabies. And they seem to be getting along well.

“They’re genuinely hilarious,” Captain Sensible shares. “Traveling with them is always a laugh. No one really knows Dave Vanian, but he’s great at impressions of characters from classic British shows like Carry On and On the Buses. And Rat is actually on a quest for the holy grail,” he adds, referring to a book and film about Scabies’ adventures. “You wouldn’t believe the things he does in the south of France with a shovel at night,” Sensible chuckles, opting not to delve further.

Regarding their past conflicts, a planned group interview became separate video calls with Scabies and Sensible, followed by a long wait for a solo chat with Vanian. But now, their relationship is stable. “I didn’t want us to regret not doing things together while we could,” Scabies reflects. “Life is too short. It was a relief to let bygones be bygones. The mantra ‘Forgive and forget’ has definitely been beneficial for us.”

When the Damned first formed, punk was not yet a recognized movement. Brian Robertson, Chris Millar, Ray Burns, and David Lett were among the early pioneers, each rebranding themselves as Brian James, Rat Scabies, Captain Sensible, and Dave Vanian, respectively. Each member brought a unique frontman quality to the band,” Scabies notes.

“Every member could have led their own band,” Vanian agrees. “Now, there’s a greater harmony and opportunity for each to shine.”

Their upcoming album, a tribute to the late Brian James featuring covers of 60s garage bands, reflects their shared musical influences—bands like the Kinks, the Stones, and Pink Floyd during the Syd Barrett era. “It’s a journey through the music that shaped us,” Sensible explains.

Despite their diverse musical explorations, the Damned is still primarily seen as a punk band, a label that hasn’t fully applied since 1978. Following their initial punk phase, they ventured into gothic and psychedelic sounds with hits like “Grimly Fiendish” and covers like “Eloise.” Vanian expresses some regret over not achieving greater success in the US, contrasting their situation with peers like Billy Idol and John Lydon, who found substantial support from their labels.

“Many musicians tell me we inspired them, which is flattering, but it hasn’t exactly paid the bills,” Vanian laments, wishing for more comfortable circumstances as he ages.

The Damned often shot themselves in the foot with wild antics and tumultuous relationships with record labels, recounted Sensible. Their unpredictable behavior in meetings with potential labels often led to missed opportunities.

While Sensible and Scabies embraced the wild side of rock ‘n’ roll, Vanian, known for his gothic appearance, remained more of an enigma, inspiring countless artists with his style yet maintaining a mysterious personal profile.

“Dave’s always been the enigmatic frontman,” Sensible says. “If he’s not on board with an idea, it’s likely not happening.”

“I never aspired to be a frontman,” Vanian adds. “I was drafted into the role. It’s not about the spotlight for me; I’m just being myself.”

In the 2015 documentary about the Damned, Vanian appears as both a stabilizing and elusive figure within the band, often dictating the group’s direction while sometimes distancing himself from the others.

“I’d be interested in a more thoughtful, actor-driven film about our early days,” Vanian muses, noting his preference for privacy over public exposure.

The Damned has always been about living out their true selves and playing the music they love, despite the lack of major label backing. “We’ve embarked on a musical journey that’s authentically ours,” Sensible reflects. “Punk saved me from a mundane life and brought excitement and creativity.”

“There were no rules,” adds Scabies. “We connected with our fans because we were genuine, not because we conformed to a specific image or signed with a major label.”

Now in the twilight of their careers, the Damned are experiencing a resurgence. With a major show at Wembley Arena and recent chart-topping albums, they’re enjoying a peak period.

“We’re all getting older, and I want to enjoy these moments fully,” says Scabies. “It’s about having fun, not dwelling on the past.”

“If we had become too rich, we might have lost our drive,” Sensible muses. “I love performing and traveling. Our passion for music keeps us going.”

As long as he can perform with his signature dramatic flair, Vanian sees no end in sight. “You’ll know it’s time for me to stop when I start performing Sinatra on stage,” he jokes.