The Damned, formed in London in 1976, was the first punk rock band to release a single, an album and tour the United States. Later they emerged as the forerunners of the Gothic Rock genre. Their first appearance was alongside the Sex Pistols at the 100 Club on 26th July 1976. The Damned was created by Dave Vanian, Roman Jugg, Rat Scabies, Bryn Merrick.

Dave Vanian, born David Letts on 12th October 1956 is best known as frontman and founding member of gothic punk band, The Damned. He is still part of the current lineup and is the only member to appear in all the studio releases. His vampiric dress sense on and off the stage won him the title of 'Godfather of the Goth'. Never one to seek the limelight he kept his private life very private and even refused to contribute to the biography of The Damned, 'The Light at the End of the Tunnel'.

Roman Jugg, was born on 15th July 1957, he played keyboard and guitar for The Damned. An associate of Paul Gray, he was originally inducted in the group in late 1981. He along with Dave Vanian, Rat Scabies and Bryn Merrick created Naz Nomad and the Nightmares, releasing the single "Just call me Sky" for the album "The Whip". After Captain Sensible quit in 1984 Roman started playing the guitar and became a full time member for the studio albums "Anything" and "Phantasmagoria". After the break up of the group, Roman continued his work with Bryn Merrick and Dave Vanian. After a hiatus of 9 years Roman returned in May 2004 and launched his album "Papa Loco".

Rat Scabies, was the drummer of the band from 1976 until 1996 with bass player Bryn Merrick joining in 1983 and leaving in 1989. During this period they recorded the studio albums 'Phantasmagoria' and 'Anything'. Scabies played drums on all of the albums except the most recent 'Grave Disorder', due to his falling out with frontman David Vanian.

Members include Garrie Dreadful (born Garrie Priest; group member, 1996-99), drums; Brian James (born Brian Robertson on February 18, 1955; left group, 1978), guitar; Roman Jugg (born on July 25, 1957; group member, 1981-89), keyboards, guitar; Patricia Morrison (born Patricia Rainone; joined group, 1996), bass; Monty Oxy Moron (joined group, 1996), keyboards; Pinch (born Andrew Pinching; joined group, 1999), drums; Rat Scabies (born Chris Millar on July 30, 1955; left group, 1977; rejoined group, 1978; left group, 1996), drums; Captain Sensible (born Raymond Ian Burns on April 24, 1954; left group, 1984; rejoined group, 1988; left group, 1992; rejoined group, 1996), guitar; Spike Smith (group member, 1999), drums; David Vanian (born David Letts on October 12, 1956), vocals; Algy Ward (born Alistair Ward on July 7, 1959; group member, 1978-80), bass; others.

Formed in London, England, 1976; played first show at London's 100 Club with the Sex Pistols, released debut single "New Rose," 1976; released Damned, Damned, Damned, played with the Deadboys at New York's CBGB club, released Music for Pleasure, 1977; dis banded and re-formed (without Brian James), 1978; signed with Chiswick Records, released Machine Gun Etiquette, 1979; released The Black Album, 1980; left Chiswick, 1981; signed with Bronze Records, released Strawberries, 1982; dropped from Bronze, 1983; Captain Sensible leaves, group is signed to MCA, 1984; released Phantasmagoria, 1985; released Anything, 1986; embarked on We Really Must Be Going tour, then disbands, 1989; Vanian and Sensible rejoin and put together new Damned, 1995-96; signed with Nitro Records, 2000; released Grave Disorder, 2001.

Albums:

Damned Damned Damned, Stiff Records, 1977.

Music for Pleasure, Stiff Pleasure, 1977.

Machine Gun Etiquette, Chiswick Records, 1979.

The Black Album, Chiswick Records, 1980.

Strawberries, Bronze Records, 1982.

Phantasmagoria, MCA Records, 1985.

Anything, MCA Records, 1986.

Not of This Earth, Toshiba Records, 1995.

Grave Disorder, Nitro Records, 2001.

So, Who's Paranoid?, English Channel Records, 2008.

Source: Nicole Elyse

HAVE A LOOK AT THIS THE DAMNED MERCHANDISE HERE

This information is provided as a brief overview and not as a definitive guide, there are other sources on the net for that. If however you have a story or information that is not generally known we would love to hear from you. Content@rokpool.com.

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