Captain Sensible of the Damned
The Damned was the first British punk band to release a single, get on television and tour the United States. It was also the first British punk band that everybody forgot. But the group has been going strong in various incarnations for 35 years and will revive anarchic classics such as "New Rose" and "Smash It Up" next Sunday at Slim's. It's a concert best experienced with a loved one, guitarist Captain Sensible says.
Q: You're playing on Valentine's Day. Do you think going to see the Damned makes for a good first date?
A: Why not? It's like going to see four or five bands rolled into one. There's punk, space rock, Goth, improv - something for everyone. The Damned is the perfect start to any relationship.
Q: What's the most romantic song you're likely to play?
A: "Eloise." It's an ode to a lady of the night, I believe.
Q: The Damned did everything before everyone. Why isn't your logo emblazoned all over the T-shirts at Urban Outfitters, like some other bands?
A: We did the punk thing as we saw it and signed with tiny DIY labels. That's why we're not so well known. But it's nice to be still out there doing it. Gigging's fun.
Q: What do you think of Guns N' Roses' cover of "New Rose" on "The Spaghetti Incident?"
A: I never actually heard it - or any of their other songs, having a bit of an aversion to hairy-chested rock. Metal, hard rock, scary skull logos - all that junk is rebel-without-a-brain stuff. The right dressed as the left, if you like.
Q: You guys lasted only one date as co-headliners on the 1976 "Anarchy in the U.K." tour with the Sex Pistols. What do you remember about that show?
A: I remember that snake (Sex Pistols manager) Malcolm McLaren telling the other band managers that after their notorious TV interview, where the Pistols had used the F-word, they didn't need to pay the Damned anymore and he was going to get rid of us. So much for punk solidarity, then. John (Rotten), Steve (Jones) and the guys were good fun, though.
Q: Did you ever think the Damned would be around 35 years later?
A: No, which is why I was so upset when I saw the cover of our first album, where I'm so covered in cream and ketchup and stuff. I thought it was the only record I'd ever make, and you can't even see my face in the picture. And I've got my back turned to the camera on the back cover, too. Nice legs, though.
Q: You've had some trouble with keeping your pants on in the past. Think they'll stay on at this show?
A: I'm going to try real hard to behave myself. I promise.
http://www.officialdamned.com/
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”Puritanism: The haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy." ~H. L. Mencken
@themorrigan1972
Subject: For Helen 
Sun Feb 07, 2010 5:42 pm
