Fifty years on from their explosive debut single “New Rose”, THE DAMNED have evolved from punk pioneers to national treasures. But as a new album pays tribute to Brian James, their fallen co-founder, bandmates Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible and Rat Scabies – along with sundry eyewitnesses and ne’erdo-wells – recall the volatile beginnings, creative vision and incorrigible spirit of The Damned’s groundbreaking first act. “It was CID, villains and the Captain in a nurse’s outfit,” hears Peter Watts

JOHN LYDON WITH PHIL MEARS “This pic of myself and John Lydon was taken at the Waterside Arts Centre in Sale, Greater Manchester, as part of his I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right spoken word tour on

Squeeze ’s songwriting duo are back in harness, toting a rock opera they wrote in the ’70s with an all-new album to come. Given their near-constant strife, it’s a miracle. But as they insist, “the thing that always brings us together is the songs…”

From the Sex Pistols to Sinatra, CHRISSIE HYNDE has spent 50 years moving between musical worlds. Now, as she releases a new album of diverse superstar duets, she confides in TOM DOYLE all about Debbie Harry, Kate Bush, Morrissey, forging Beatles signatures, having hysterics at a CSN gig, and how to deal with the most obsessive Pretenders fans... "Go fuck yourselves!"

Rat City Rockers TEE PEE

From the bayou to Woodstock and back – the easygoing adventures of Bobby Charles. By John Mulvey.