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The Damned at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, BC – Gallery

Published

6 months ago

June 15, 2024

On May 14, British punk band The Damned brought their North American tour to a sold-out Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, BC.

Fronted by Penelope Houston, American punk rock band The Avengers kicked off the evening.

For this tour, The Damned brought back its ’80s lineup back together with the return of Rat Scabies for the first time in America in 35 years. David Vanian (vocals), Captain Sensible (guitar), Rat Scabies (drum) and Paul Gray (bass) played together for the first time since 1989, with the addition of Monty Oxymoron (keys).

Vanian performed in a striking raven black suit and Ray-Bans. Captain Sensible wore his signature red beret and striped shirt with “Neat Neat Neat,” while Rat Scabies drummed in a perspex booth. Paul Gray sported aviators and a black beret, and Monty Oxymoron dazzled in skull-themed trousers with shinny boots at the keyboard. The Damned showcased their influence on both goth rock and hardcore punk, with fans dressed in elaborate costumes, high mohawks, leather suits, berets, and battle vests.

Kicking off the stage with “Ignite,” the band unleashes raw talent and relentless energy, swiftly followed by the catchy “Wait for the Blackout” from The Black Album. As such, the band revisited the music from its 1980s lineup, with songs from Machine Gun Etiquette, The Black Album and Strawberries, as well as The Damned fan-favourite tracks like “Neat Neat Neat”, “New Rose” and more: 22 songs in total!

Although this tour is billed as their final one, no one was ready to bid farewell. They were here to savor every moment, appreciating their greatness and extensive setlist, aware this might be the last concert with these legends…

Check out our favourite photos of the night or head out to our Facebook page for the full gallery!