We lost the Prince Of Darkness this year – but he made the perfect exit

Judas Priest’s Rob Halford celebrates the life and legacy of the Prince Of Darkness

London Shepherd’s Bush Empire

Black And Blue UMC/POLYDOR

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

Mike Patton and the Avett Brothers join forces to create a work of immense beauty.