Half a century after igniting the fuse of the British punk explosion, The Damned have announced a celebratory UK tour for late 2026. Titled ‘Final Damnation 50’, the run follows a triumphant anniversary show at Wembley’s OVO Arena and a global trek that includes the Sydney Opera House. The band will return to British soil throughout November and December to celebrate 50 years since the cultural earthquake of 1976.
As the first UK punk band to release a single, an album, and tour the United States, The Damned remain a foundational force in alternative music. This tour offers fans a rare opportunity to catch the legendary lineup of Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, Rat Scabies, Paul Gray, and Monty Oxymoron. Reflecting on the milestone, drummer Rat Scabies remarked, "We never thought we’d make it this far and neither did you! But here we are, a finely tuned engine."
Captain Sensible has promised a setlist curated from five decades of material, focusing on the definitive tracks that shaped the band’s "chequered history." The tour also follows the release of their acclaimed covers album, Not Like Everybody Else, a tribute to the influences of late founding member Brian James. Fans can expect a journey through the band’s influential transitions between raw punk, gothic rock, and psychedelia.
To ensure a high-octane celebration, The Damned are bringing Australian punk pioneers The Saints ’73-’78 as special guests. Led by founding members Ed Kuepper and Ivor Hay, the Saints’ lineup features an all-star cast including Mick Harvey, Jim White, and Mark Arm on vocals. They will perform groundbreaking material from their first three albums, marking 50 years since their own explosive debut.
The tour kicks off on 25 November at the Brighton Dome and visits London, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle, and Derby before concluding at the Birmingham O2 Academy on 5 December. Tickets go on general sale this Friday, 1 May 2026, at 10:00 AM BST.
