Still Damned good
A successful 40-plus years in the business – and out comes yet another big album
The Damned are the last band standing of the Unholy Trinity which kick-started London’s 1976 punk revolution. Frontman Dave Vanian, 61, saw contemporaries The Sex Pistols and The Clash fall by the wayside, and weathered the storms to stand strong.
“Some of the troughs I didn’t know if we were going to get up out of, but we have managed to,” he reflects. “Maybe this album is our last big hurrah but I wanted to make it a good one.”
Vanian and co have united with legendary Bowie producer Tony Visconti to make their outstanding 11th album, Evil Spirits. Original members Rat Scabies and Brian James have long gone but, bolstered by Hot Rods bass ace Paul Gray, The Damned are as strong as ever.
“When there’s still life in something and it’s really good, you don’t want to abandon it, even though things are hard,” says Dave. “I just think that the band have always had something very special to put across – and it’s not always been recognised, you know. Especially musically.
“I think there was a time when the band were overlooked because of our stupid behaviour, probably, and our craziness.”
Vanian’s (real name Lett) vampire-derived name and appearance have given him Godfather of Goth status. A 22-year marriage to Gun Club/ Sisters of Mercy sensation Patricia Morrison enhances it.
“We like each other, we like what we do, and we’re very similar in our tastes. And we’re both quite weirdly down to earth. I mean she’s been very helpful – helped me stay where I am to be honest.
“I think I needed someone who would ground me occasionally, because there have been times I thought I should call it a day.”
The pair’s violin-playing daughter Emily gave dad a definite career highlight when she accompanied The Damned at their 40-year celebration at The Albert Hall in 2016, age 12.
“I was so proud,” he says. “I really didn’t want to have children earlier because I didn’t want to miss them growing up. I was able to have the luxury of seeing her grow up and be with her when she was very young. It was quite incredible.” John Prine is one of the last great heartrending jester maestroes of original country song, and his first original album in 13 years has gems enough to add to his unique canon. Prine’s bout of throat cancer in the 90s has left his voice rheumy and decimated – yet perfectly in keeping with the wry angles of his songs. Standout The Lonesome Friends Of Science is John’s one solo songwriting credit. The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach is among collaborators ensuring this is still primetime for Prine.