The name of The Damned is essential when discussing the history of British punk. Formed in London in 1976 with Dave Vanian, Brian James, Captain Sensible, and Rat Scabies, the band was pioneering in many ways: they released the first British punk single, the legendary New Rose in 1976, and the first British punk studio album, Damned Damned Damned, in 1977. Additionally, they were the first British punk band to embark on a US tour. Although often mentioned in the shadow of the Sex Pistols and The Clash, The Damned had at least as much influence on the development of punk and later gothic rock.



However, the band''s history is far more complex than the "punk band" label suggests. Their early songs represented fast, aggressive punk rock, but by the late seventies, they began experimenting with psychedelic and darker sounds. Machine Gun Etiquette (1979) or later The Black Album and Phantasmagoria showed a much more atmospheric, gothic world. Dave Vanian''s vampire-like appearance and deep baritone voice had a particularly significant impact on the later goth subculture.

The history of The Damned was accompanied by numerous lineup changes, breakups, and reunions. After the departure of guitarist Brian James, the band took new directions several times but always maintained its unique identity. In the eighties, they achieved success with songs like Grimly Fiendish, The Shadow of Love, or Eloise, which became one of their biggest British hits. From the nineties onwards, although considered more of a cult band, they continued to tour and produce new albums.