The punk pioneers behind the UK's first ever punk single will play four shows across Australia and New Zealand in September.
Half a century of chaos, and The Damned are still somehow standing upright.
The pioneering British punk outfit have announced The Damned Australian tour as part of their 50th anniversary farewell celebrations, with four shows locked in across Australia and New Zealand for September. The run includes a landmark appearance at the Sydney Opera House.
Formed in London in 1976, The Damned hold a stack of firsts in UK punk history. They released the country’s first punk single with New Rose, followed it up with the first punk album Damned Damned Damned, and were the first British punk band to tour the United States. Five decades on, the band remains one of the most enduring forces in punk, goth and alternative rock.
The Damned Australian and New Zealand tour
- 8 September — Powerstation, Auckland, NZ
- 10 September — Sydney Opera House, Sydney, NSW
- 11 September — The Tivoli, Brisbane, QLD
- 13 September — The Forum, Melbourne, VIC
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
The 50th anniversary shows promise a career-spanning celebration, with a setlist pulling from deep across the band’s extensive catalogue. Tracks like New Rose, Neat Neat Neat, Love Song, Smash It Up and Eloise are all expected to feature. At the first of the farewell shows at a sold-out Wembley Arena in London on 11 April, the band ripped through a 25-song set.
Led by vocalist Dave Vanian’s unmistakable baritone and the theatrical energy that’s defined their live shows for decades, The Damned have spent 50 years pushing well beyond their punk origins. Their sound has stretched across gothic rock, psychedelia and everything in between, and their reputation for unpredictable, raucous performances has never dimmed.
The Australian and New Zealand leg is being built around the Sydney Opera House appearance, which marks a significant moment for a band whose roots sit firmly in DIY punk basements and spit-soaked London clubs. It’s a long way from the 100 Club.
Pre-sale tickets go live on 22 April at 9:00am local time, with general public tickets on sale from 24 April at 9:00am local time.
For more information, head here.
