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

Rat City Rockers TEE PEE

Black And Blue UMC/POLYDOR

This month…

London Shepherd’s Bush Empire

From The Bottom Of An Old Grandfather Clock (reissue, 2004) DEAD OCEANS