The Damned Announce May + June USA Tour With The Return Of Rat Scabies
Punk legends and goth pioneers The Damned have announced a tour of the United States in early summer featuring the band’s classic 80s for the first time in 35 years. The Damned will hit 10 cities in May and June, starting in Toronto and ending in Portland.
David Vanian, who has fronted the band since they formed in 1976, has been the most consistent member of The Damned. For this tour, he will be joined by fellow founding members Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies. This tour marks Rat Scabies’ return to The Damned. Paul Gray, who joined The Damned in 1980 and played on many of their iconic albums, will also be performing with the band on the tour.
When asked about rejoining The Damned as a permanent member after so many years away, Rat Scabies gave a characteristically sardonic answer.
‘"Be careful what you wish for,’" said Rat Scabies.
Fans should expect the classic '80s line-up of The Damned to play favorite tracks from their albums of the decade including Machine Gun Etiquette, The Black Album, and Strawberries. The Damned, of course, are expected to play their earlier hits as well including "Neat Neat Neat," "New Rose," and other tracks.
The Damned aren’t just content with revisiting their past hits. The band released their twelfth studio album Darkadelic last April. The album has received positive reviews from critics and fans. Darkadelic reached the Top 10 in the UK Albums Chart.
The Damned are one of the most innovative bands to come out of the British punk movement. Their hit song, “New Rose’ has the distinction of being punk’s first single. Dave Vanian’s vampiric fashion sense and the band’s dark lyricism influenced the early goth rock scene. With their latest album and new tour, The Damned are proving that 47 years after their explosive debut, they are still an exciting force in rock and roll.
THE DAMNED ARE:
Dave Vanian — Vocals
Captain Sensible — Guitar
Rat Scabies — Drums
Paul Gray — Bass
Monty Oxymoron — Keyboards
