Music > Interviews
The Damned
26/10/16
The Damned are known as a band of firsts – the first punk band to release a single, the first to release an album and the first to tour the US. They continue to wave the flag for originality, stick two fingers up to mediocrity and celebrate a DIY punk ethos. Original members David Vanian and Captain Sensible never expected to still be doing it 40 years later, but doing it they are – in fact they celebrated their 40th anniversary at the Royal Albert Hall last year. I spoke to Captain Sensible (yes, him from Happy Talk) about punk’s legacy, his berets and what bands he’s into now.
What music were you listening to in your early teens that led you into punk?
I attended every live gig I could… the wilder and sweatier the better. The Groundhogs, Edgar Broughton & Pink Fairies put on rollicking shows but by the mid-70s things had gone a bit tame, a bit country. So, to hear the music we liked, the class of ‘76 had to do it for ourselves.
You joined the band in 1976 after having been in Masters of the Backside with Dave, Rat Scabies and Chrissie Hynde. At this point did you think that making music would be your future career?
No, because the big bands of the 70s were all virtuoso musicians… that’s what people were watching, 20 drum solos and all that show-off guitar nonsense. Could a bunch of oiks with a limited repertoire of chords compete with that? Somehow we did.
You met Rat Scabies at work, and he suggested you join the band. Can you remember what that first meeting was like?
I thought another aspiring musician, that’s good. But what really sealed it was when he managed to break into the canteen’s ice cream freezer and we scoffed so many we made ourselves sick.
Your first gig was supporting The Sex Pistols in July 1976 and you followed that by going on tour with them. What was that experience like, back when everyone was terrified and horrified by punks?
The press were whipping up all the anti punk vibe, with the result that everywhere you went as soon as they clapped eyes on you some local hero would start a punch up. A couple of years that lasted. So indeed, we DID fight in the punk wars - and in the process paved the way for the likes of Green Day to become multi-millionaires.
Happy Talk went to number one in 1982. It’s a cover from South Pacific – how come you chose that song, and what did you feel you were able to achieve as a solo artist that you couldn’t with The Damned?
Although signed for my own songs, we thought a cheeky cover would be fun. I chose a track from my ma ‘n’ pa’s fave album South Pacific. John Peel, who’d witnessed the debauched side of the Damned was so surprised he gave it a good crack on his show after which the other DJs picked up on it. Within three weeks I was # 1. Amazing times!
People might not know that you were responsible for the theme music for Big Break, the snooker TV show. How did that come about?
Ha ha! I was invited by Mike Batt to contribute to a musical he’d written based on Lewis Carrol’s Hunting Of The Snark’ along with Billy Connolly, Justin Hayward, Roger Daltrey and Julian Lennon. It was a great album but wasn’t a hit; then one day I’m watching TV and I hear my song being used for a new snooker TV show. I didn’t send back the royalties though… it ran for several series. Ker-ching!
Do you play with any other outfits?
I play occasionally with members of the Stray Cats and the Alarm - we call ourselves the Jack Tars. It’s musical piracy!
Which is your favourite Damned song to play live?
Wait For The Blackout –it’s full of dynamics, and gets fairly raucous towards the end, similar to The Who in fact. Their influence is all over the piece.
You’re a well-loved member of the band who was missed when you weren’t with The Damned even though audiences often chant “Sensible is a wanker” when you come onstage. You’ve made music your life, but what do you think you’d have done if it hadn’t have been?
I have no other talents. I’m lazy, can’t do sums and am totally a night person - I simply can’t get up in the morning. So this is the perfect job. It also helps that the beer is free as I’m partial to the odd beverage.
A good friend of mine was lucky enough to attend your Royal Albert Hall show in May and was blown away. Would you say that was the most memorable gig you’ve ever played with The Damned?
Knowing Hendrix had played the same venue made it even more special.
What do you make of the punk scene in the UK today compared to the early days?
Blackpool Rebellion is massive these days… punk’s doing OK. There’re always interesting new bands with their own take on it - Wonk Unit, Dirtbox Disco and Geoffrey Oicott for example.
How many red berets have you been through in your career?
Loads as you can’t wash them - the dye comes out and it ruins anything else in the wash. I tried once but the missus was livid!
Do you think you have discovered your perfect guitar yet?
I like an SG Standard with block fret inlays as my eyesight is not what it was. It’s the Damned guitar, it just suits the material. I’ve installed Evertune bridges in some of them… the Albert Hall gig was three hours long, and despite all the twiddly bits the tuning held throughout. Brilliant!
Is there any future music in the offing for The Damned?
Yes, a new album next year which we are writing now - it’s sounding fresh and exciting.
What has held The Damned together for so many years would you say?
The audience - we are very lucky to have them. If they ever stop coming we’re buggered.
What do you make of all the ‘anniversary of punk’ events that are happening this year and next? Are they a good nostalgia trip or is it a bit of a drag?
Well, a lot of people under 40 don’t really know what it was all about. I think punk craps on most modern music with those ghastly studio effects and multi-layering. Punk was honest and direct, it connects with the listener, that’s why it’s still popular.
What is your favourite protest song of all time?
Won’t Get Fooled Again, with the line “meet the new boss - same as the old boss”. Never a truer word… Thatcher, Blair, Cameron - nothing much changes. The NHS is still being privatised by stealth, corporations are still avoiding tax and there are still wars and daft new nuclear power stations keeps coming. Voting doesn’t seem to do much.
What can we expect from your show here in Norwich this autumn?
There’ll be punk, goth and some theatrics. The Damned’s greatest hits and a few surprises along the way. This line-up has been together the longest of the lot - that this combination really do the material justice may be the reason. It’s a bloomin’ good band at the minute!
The Damned play at The Waterfront on 23rd November. Tickets available from ueatickets.ticketabc.com