The Damned are back in the studio recording a new album with plans for a 40th anniversary North American tour this spring. The band will also be re-releasing a limited edition 7” picture disc of their 1976 debut single “New Rose” on BMG. The band has had plenty of lineup changes over the past four decades, but lead singer David Vanian and guitarist Captain Sensible remain. The singer and the guitarist will be headed stateside, along with members Monty Oxymoron, Andrew “Pinch” Pinching, and Stu West beginning April 6 at the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles.
Although they shifted to a more goth-rock sound in the ’80s, The Damned have a significant place in punk history, being the first punk act from the United Kingdom to tour the United States, release an album—their 1977 debut, Damned Damned Damned—and release a single.
Produced by power-pop dignitary Nick Lowe, “New Rose” is remembered as the first single by a British punk group. (America had beaten the Brits to the punk- rock punch with The Ramones’ debut in April 1976.) The tune was recorded in one day, but Lowe may have taken an extra day to mix it, according to drummer Rat Scabies. “New Rose” written by guitarist Brian James, pays tribute to the Shangri-Las with its opening line (“Is she really going out with him?”) and the original single, released on Stiff, featured a speedball cover of The Beatles’ “Help,” paying credence to rock’s past while signifying it’ future. The snotty, aggressive single still retains a certain pop sheen, presumably thanks to producer Lowe. The reissue will feature a picture disc, original artwork, and an exclusive fold-out poster.
The North American tour kicks off April 6, but the “New Rose” reissue will be available on November 4 wherever records are sold. You can preorder The Damned’s new album at Pledge Music.
April 6 —Los Angeles, CA —Belasco Theater
April 7—San Diego, CA –House Of Blues
April 9—Las Vegas, NV —House Of Blues
April 11—San Francisco, CA —The Fillmore