Review THE DAMNED “AD 2022 – Live in Manchester”

The history of The Damned dates back to 1976 when the band was formed in London, UK. The group is one of the icons of UK-rooted punk rock from the late 70’s and where trailblazers for many other bands to this day.

With their roots in punk rock, The Damned have added different shades to their music. Gothic and New Wave have been just some of the areas the band has experimented with while maintaining a connection to their roots.

Vocalist Dave Vanian is a founding member and has been the driving force of the band, while some line-up changes haven’t made things any easier. So it was all the more surprising when the band announced some reunion shows in the original line-up for October 2020. In addition to Vanian, Brian James, Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies were also on board. However, the idea had to be put on hold due to the restrictions of the pandemic, and it was not until two years later that the shows could finally take place.

_{The Damned, London, October 2022. Photo by: Carsten Windhorst}

It was on November 3rd, 2022 that The Damned played a show at the O2 Apollo in Manchester. It was a high energy set that included 21 songs, all from the first two longplayers the band released. These included classics such as “New Rose” from the debut album “Damned Damned Damned” as well as a blistering version of “Neat Neat Neat”.

“Music for Pleasure” contributed with songs like “Sick of Being Sick” and what is remarkable about this live recording is the energy and the still present anarchic vibe that comes with these songs.

In addition to songs from their first two albums, The Damned included four cover versions to their set. After the “Doctor Who” theme has faded away, it’s “1970” by The Stooges that starts the show and is the first treat on this live album. The Beatles are present as well as the Rolling Stones. The Damned performed their version of “Help”, which is OK, although the world didn’t wait for it. Towards the end the guys deliver their interpretation of “The Last Time” by The Rolling Stones and it is a similar result to what we got with “Help”.

When it comes to the sound of this live release, we can say that it is a powerful one that conveys the feeling of being at a show. The DVD also provides the visuals of the show and what stands out is the diversity of the fans – from young to old. The Damned are still alive and kicking and with a return to their roots the guys are even better than what the last studio albums brought to the surface. Both band and fans obviously enjoyed the evening and it is worth seeing these legends live and even if it is only on DVD at home on the big screen.