The Damned are an English band formed in London in 1976, notable for being the first punk rock band from England to release a single ("New Rose") and an album (Damned Damned Damned), and to tour the United States. The Damned later evolved as one of the forerunners of the gothic rock genre.

The Damned have incorporated many different styles into their music and image, including: garage rock, psychedelic rock, cabaret, and the theatrical rock of Screaming Lord Sutch and Alex Harvey. Lead singer Dave Vanian's vocal style has been described as similar to a crooner. The Damned have dissolved and reformed many times, with Vanian as the sole constant member. However, the lineups have always included either guitarist Captain Sensible and/or drummer Rat Scabies, who are both founding members. As of 2007, the line-up included Vanian, Captain Sensible, Monty Oxy Moron, Pinch and Stu West.

Original Damned members Dave Vanian (David Lett), Captain Sensible (Raymond Burns) and Rat Scabies (Chris Millar) had been members of the Masters of the Backside, which included future Pretenders frontwoman Chrissie Hynde. Original Damned guitarist Brian James (Brian Robertson) had been a member of the punk band London SS, who never played live but included musicians who later found fame in The Clash, Generation X, and The Boys. Scabies auditioned as drummer for London SS but was rejected. James and Scabies had invited Sid Vicious and Dave Vanian to audition to be the singer of The Damned. Only Vanian showed up, and so became the frontman of the band.

Discography

Studio albums

* Damned, Damned, Damned (25 February 1977)
* Music for Pleasure (18 November 1977)
* Machine Gun Etiquette (2 November 1979)
* The Black Album (20 October 1980)
* Strawberries (1 October 1982)
* Phantasmagoria (15 July 1985)
* Anything (5 December 1986)
* Not of This Earth (11 November 1995)
* Grave Disorder (21 August 2001)

Radio

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