We might have lost metal’s founding fathers, but the next generation proved that the music lives on

OBITUARY / DESTRUCTION / NERVOSA O2 FORUM KENTISH TOWN, LONDON

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

London Shepherd’s Bush Empire

How a bunch of snotty New Yorkers gave thrash metal its name

Black And Blue UMC/POLYDOR