Punk legends The Damned have announced the upcoming release of “Not Like Everybody Else,” a deeply personal covers album dedicated to the memory of their founding guitarist, Brian James, who passed away in March 2025. Set for release on earMUSIC on January 23, 2026, the album is a heartfelt tribute and a powerful reconnection with the band's raw, initial energy.
The album marks a significant moment for fans, as it's the first time in 40 years that drummer Rat Scabies has returned to the studio with the core lineup of Dave Vanian (vocals), Captain Sensible (guitar), and Paul Gray (bass), joined by keyboardist Monty Oxymoron. Recorded in a blistering five days at Revolver Studio in Los Angeles, the project channels the creative fire that ignited the band's career, which began with the first UK punk single, "New Rose," written by James.
The first single from the album, “There’s A Ghost In My House,” drops on October 30th. It reimagines R. Dean Taylor's classic with The Damned’s unmistakable dark charm, driven by Captain Sensible's urgent guitar and Vanian's atmospheric vocal delivery—a perfect blend of Northern soul spirit and gothic rock swagger. The album itself features classics like Pink Floyd’s “See Emily Play” and The Animals’ “When I Was Young.” It closes with a powerful farewell: a remix of The Rolling Stones’ “The Last Time,” featuring James’s final live performance with The Damned.
To celebrate the release, the band will play a one-off covers show at the Albert Hall, Manchester on January 28, 2026, performing songs from the new album alongside fan-favourite covers from their storied history. This release is a heartfelt homage, cementing the band's legacy as they also prepare for a special 50th-anniversary show at OVO Arena Wembley on April 11, 2026.
