Punk rock pioneers The Damned have revealed plans for a monumental 50th-anniversary show, set to explode onto the stage of OVO Arena Wembley on Friday, April 11th, 2026. This landmark event marks five decades since the band first stormed the British music scene, igniting the punk movement.
Promising an unforgettable night of rock history, The Damned will be joined by an incredible lineup of special guests: The Loveless featuring Marc Almond, Peter Hook And The Light, and The Courettes.
"Half a century on and who'd of thought the Damned would still be upright and breathing?" the band quipped in a statement. They continued, acknowledging their enduring power and finesse. "To mark this milestone event, we've booked OVO Arena Wembley... We haven't made up the set list as yet but with 50 years of catalogue to choose from, only the best songs from our chequered history will be performed."
Formed in 1976, The Damned made history as the first UK punk band to release a single ("New Rose"), the first to release an album (Damned Damned Damned), and the first to tour America. Their influence spans punk, goth, and alternative rock, maintaining an ever-expanding fanbase fueled by their legendary live shows and Dave Vanian's distinctive baritone vocals.
The current lineup for this special occasion includes original founding members Dave Vanian (Vocals) and Captain Sensible (Guitar), alongside the triumphant return of Rat Scabies on drums, Paul Gray on bass, and Monty Oxymoron on keyboards. Scabies' return marks a significant moment, bringing back the classic lineup that last played together 35 years ago.
This career-spanning celebration promises to be a powerful reminder of The Damned's enduring legacy. Tickets for this unmissable night are on sale now.
