The Damned 50th Anniversary

Iconic British punk pioneers, The Damned return to NZ for their 50th anniversary farewell celebration

Formed in 1976, the trailblazing group released the UK’s first ever punk single New Rose and its first album Damned Damned Damned which ignited the global punk revolution. They are, indisputably one of the most enduring and influential bands in punk, goth and alternative rock. 

With their dark lyrics and Dave Vanian's rich baritone vocals, The Damned have spent five decades pushing musical boundaries. From raw, anarchic punk anthems on their groundbreaking debut to gothic rock explorations and psychedelic influences, the band has remained a vital force in rock music. Their songs defy time and sound as vital as the day they were released.

"Half a century on and who'd have thought we would still be upright and breathing? We never thought we'd make it this far and neither did you! But here we are. a finely tuned engine. The Damned still has the power and finesse to excite, entertain and accelerate into our 50th year…" - Rat Scabies

"And then… goodbye. They’ve said it before, but this one felt different. Playing New Rose - their DIY debut single - to what was their biggest headline crowd in 50 years carried real emotional weight. You could feel it in the room. This is the last time this lineup plays London. They went out in style. They filled Wembley arena with love, memories, and mischief" - MusoMuso.com