“50 years in, and The Damned just performed the greatest show of their illustrious career.” It’s a bold claim—but one that feels entirely justified.
At London’s Wembley Arena on April 11, the iconic British punks delivered a staggering two-set performance spanning 25 songs, igniting a crowd that witnessed not just a concert, but a moment of history. There was energy, mischief, and unmistakable joy—qualities that would put bands half their age to shame. And then came the emotional weight: “And then… goodbye.”
Closing with New Rose—the UK’s first-ever punk single—the band returned to where it all began. For a lineup that has defined generations of punk, goth, and alternative music, this performance carried something deeper. It wasn’t just nostalgia—it was legacy. As MusoMuso captured, this felt different. This felt final.
Now, Australian and New Zealand audiences will have their chance to witness that same electricity as The Damned bring The Final Damnation 50th Anniversary Tour down under this September.
Formed in 1976, The Damned didn’t just join the punk movement—they helped create it. With the release of New Rose and their debut album Damned Damned Damned, they set a blueprint for chaos, speed, and attitude that would ripple across the globe.
Over five decades, the band has evolved without losing its edge. From the raw ferocity of early punk to the brooding theatricality of gothic rock, their sound has remained both unpredictable and enduring. Dave Vanian’s unmistakable baritone continues to anchor their music, while the band’s willingness to experiment has kept them vital long after many of their peers faded.
Reflecting on the milestone, Rat Scabies summed it up with characteristic irreverence:
“Half a century on and who’d have thought we would still be upright and breathing?… But here we are—a finely tuned engine.”
Captain Sensible echoed the promise fans have come to expect:
“With 50 years of catalogue to choose from, only the best songs from our chequered history will be performed… You know we won’t disappoint.”
If Wembley is anything to go by, these anniversary shows are more than a retrospective—they are a definitive statement. A 25-song setlist packed with classics like Neat Neat Neat, Love Song, Smash It Up, and Eloise ensures the full scope of The Damned’s legacy is on display.
But beyond the songs, it’s the spirit that defines the experience. There’s a theatrical chaos to The Damned that refuses to age—a sense that anything could happen, and probably will. It’s punk not as a relic, but as a living, breathing force.
This upcoming tour, anchored by a landmark performance at the Sydney Opera House, is shaping up to be the most complete and celebratory show of their career.
Australia & New Zealand Tour Dates – September 2026
- Tuesday 8 September – Auckland, Powerstation
- Thursday 10 September – Sydney, Sydney Opera House
- Friday 11 September – Brisbane, The Tivoli
- Sunday 13 September – Melbourne, The Forum
Tickets
- Pre-sale: Wednesday 22 April, 9:00am (local time)
- General sale: Friday 24 April, 9:00am (local time)
Tickets available via: thephoenix.au/the-damned-2026/
There’s always been an unpredictability to The Damned—a refusal to follow rules, even their own. So when they say goodbye, you never quite know if it’s forever.
But if Wembley proved anything, it’s this: if this is the end, they’re going out exactly as they lived—loud, theatrical, and utterly unforgettable.
And for Australian fans, this September may well be the last chance to be part of it.
