Fresh from playing Wembley last week, having released their 13th studio album to start the year, The Damned are having one of their busiest years as they celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Now the iconic punk-gothic rockers are returning to Australia this September for three headline shows in Sydney (playing the Opera House), Brisbane, and Melbourne – as part of their 50th anniversary farewell celebrations.
The band's current line-up features three original members: Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies (who rejoined the band full-time in 2023) alongside longstanding players Paul Gray and Monty Oxymoron.
"Half a century on and who'd have thought we would still be upright and breathing," asks Rat Scabies.
"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."
Adds Captain Sensible: "With 50 years of catalogue to choose from, only the best songs from our chequered history will be performed – and with the passion and commitment all good music lovers deserve. You know we won't disappoint."
A band whose catalogue includes 'New Rose' (the first ever punk song released in the UK) as well as 'Neat Neat Neat', 'Life Goes On', 'Alone Again Or' and 'The Shadow Of Love', the band's Wembley concert (11 April) delivered an epic 25-song set list.
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.
Released in January, 'Not Like Everybody Else' is a covers album of songs that had inspired them and Brian James (The Damned's original guitarist who died in 2025) during their youth.
"G'day pilgrims, it's been quite a year so far what with 'NLEE' doing so amazingly well in the charts and all of those beautiful diehard Damned fans who patiently lined up get copies THANK YOU," posted the band.
Read our review of The Damned's 2024 Brisbane concert.
"Aside from a handful of great European shows our crowning glory so far was the incredible show at Wembley Arena. Without blowing smoke up your bottoms it was a real blast and one of those nights where everybody knew what they had to do.
"The band had to be tight, but not anal and the audience was to be pleasantly drunk and up for having a great time and thankfully both parties did exactly that, and boy, they partied until the time ran out and we all had to bid an emotional farewell to our 50th birthday.
"But wait, the band had such a good time, and the punters loved it so maybe there's enough life in the old dogs yet to add the rest of the world to our list of triumphs for 2026.
"So to start off we are going to be playing live shows in New Zealand and Australia. Well, that's my pension sorted, see you in a town near you."
Tickets on sale from 9am (local time) on 24 April.
The Damned 2026 Tour Dates
Thu 10 Sep - Sydney Opera House
Fri 11 Sep - The Tivoli (Brisbane)
Sun 13 Sep - Forum Melbourne
