British punk originals The Damned are heading back to Australia and New Zealand this September, bringing their long-running career to local stages as part of their 50th anniversary farewell celebrations. For a band that helped define punk from the outset, the tour lands as both a victory lap and a final bow.
Formed in 1976, The Damned were first out of the gate with the UK’s debut punk single New Rose, followed quickly by Damned Damned Damned. Those early releases didn’t just make noise, they helped shape a movement that spread far beyond London. Decades on, their influence still threads through punk, goth and alternative rock.
Fronted by Dave Vanian’s unmistakable baritone, the band has never stayed in one lane. Their catalogue moves from stripped back punk to darker, more theatrical territory, pulling in gothic and psychedelic elements along the way. It is that willingness to shift and experiment that has kept them relevant across generations.
“Half a century on and who’d have thought we would still be upright and breathing? We never thought we’d make it this far and neither did you! But here we are. a finely tuned engine. The Damned still has the power and finesse to excite, entertain and accelerate into our 50th year…” – Rat Scabies
“With 50 years of catalogue to choose from, only the best songs from our chequered history will be performed – and with the passion and commitment all good music lovers deserve. You know we won’t disappoint…” – Captain Sensible
The anniversary shows draw heavily from that catalogue, with recent performances delivering expansive setlists packed with staples like New Rose, Neat Neat Neat and Smash It Up. The Australian leg includes a headline date at the Sydney Opera House, alongside shows in Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland.
For Melbourne fans, The Forum show on Sunday 13 September 2026 offers a chance to catch a band that has built its reputation on chaos, precision and presence, all in one night.
Tickets on sale from Friday 24 Aprilvia https://thephoenix.au/the-damned-2026/
