Live Review: The Damned in Perth 2024
The Damned in Concert at The Astor Theatre in Perth Western Australia on 26 of March 2024
Review by Erica Lorimer
Photography by Erica Lorimer Photographer
Before stereotypes like wild hair, bleached denim and heavy eyeliner became associated with punk music, The Damned emerged in 1976 as a revolutionary force in the genre. Fearless vanguards of punk, glam, pop, psychedelic, goth—or any label hurled their way – the iconic band from the UK carved their own natural path with a gritty, DIY ethos. No rules. No egos.
Tonight, nearly a thousand fans from every era pack into the vintage Art Deco Astor Theatre. While this tour’s tagged as their last, no one is ready to say goodbye. We’re here to soak up every moment, savouring their greatness and huge setlist, aware this could be our last gig with these legends. But who knows.
As if fate had orchestrated it, a large Easter moon looms. Frontman David Vanian, ever the enigma, nods knowingly to the significance: “It’s a full moon this evening.” He enters the stage dressed in a black pin-striped suit and hat, exuding a mystique reminiscent of Bram Stoker’s vampires. A silver vintage Martin Mitchell microphone from the ’50s adds to the retro vibe. Vanian, with his past as a gravedigger, adds interesting layers to his on stage persona—a detail his fans embrace. Credited as a trailblazer in goth he sparked a revolution alongside punk, yet remained unaffected by the allure of rockstar culture.
Tonight isn’t just about one man. It’s about many. In this band, each member shares the spotlight equally, with their names all etched in music history. Enter “Captain Sensible”, formerly known as “Edna Beverage” with his no filters banter. Stirring up the Aussie crowd, he quips: “One of the best cultural exports (from Australia) is The Wiggles. Not Don Bradman – it’s The Wiggles we care about”! The audience enthusiastically agrees, united in their sentiment.
For this tour Christopher Miller aka “Rat Scabies”, is back on the drums after 35 years and effortlessly commands the rhythm to an impressive intensity all night. Paul Gray, cool and collected on bass guitar, adds his steady presence. “Monty Oxymoron”, formerly “Monty the Moron”, is back on the keys gesticulating with his hands and breaking out into daggy dances. With Rat now in tow, this classic line-up is a huge treat and one that is likely to only have ever been witnessed by a few in the house tonight.
Firing up the stage with Ignite as the opener, the band unleash raw talent and relentless energy, swiftly followed by the catchy Wait for the Blackout from The Black Album. When Monty then plays a keyboard solo for the introduction of Melody Lee, the crowd cheers, knowing what’s to come.
As the setlist moves on and on, it’s a stark reminder of why these guys didn’t need silver spoons or industry connections—they embody the true essence of DIY with tons of talent.
Timeless anthems like Neat, Neat, Neat get the crowd going, the lyrics boldly emblazoned on the Captain’s shirt. As the band moves on to their new track Beware of the Clown, released just last year on their 12th studio album Darkadelic, some of the band don foam red clown noses. True to The Damned’s signature style, the song combines incisive social commentary with a dash of biting humour, exemplifying their enduring relevance and wit.
Elouise, the 1986 Barry Ryan cover the band is famous for is a mid-show mainstay that everyone can sing along to followed by Fan Club, a “song for Brian James, without whom none of us would be here tonight”. James is a founding member who wrote most songs for the first two albums with gritty lyrics like: “Well, you send me pretty flowers while I’m slashing my wrists/Read those little letters through my smashed-out mist”.
“Smash It Up,” one of their iconic hits later covered by The Offspring, serves as a powerful reminder to the audience that they’re witnessing a true punk rock performance. Fortunately, no seats or other fixtures in the venue were harmed during the show!
Finally, the iconic guitar riff announces New Rose – a crowd pulling fave. It’s hard to believe this ground-breaking hit was recorded in 1976 on the cheap in a small Harry Potter like room at the back of a garage. It was the first vinyl release by a British Punk Rock band famously beating Sex Pistols to the post by weeks. This was undoubtedly one of those seismic moments in rock history!
Ignoring The Damned’s stellar catalogue, fans left the concert brimming with fulfillment and gratitude for seeing these icons deliver a performance of unparalleled calibre. Emerging into the night bathed in the haunting glow of the Easter moon, a feeling of appreciation and perhaps even a sense of smugness washed over them, knowing they had played a part in shaping Damned history.
Nick Sheppard & The Yung Pomeranians
Who better to ignite the stage before a night of rock and royalty than the legendary English punk king, Nick Sheppard, former lead guitarist of The Clash? He tells us it’s exactly 47 years ago to the day that he first supported The Damned.
Now calling Perth home, Nick continues to play a part in the local music scene as a master guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist. Prepping the crowd for what’s to come with The Damned he heads up a three piece called The Yung Pomeranians. Originating from Bristol but now proudly Australian, Nick’s punk rock roots with the Cortinas in the ’70s and his time with The Clash still echo in his performances today. Did a subtle tribute to Joe Strummer emerge with that animal howl during their rendition of “I Fought The Law”.
Sheldon Ang Media would like to thank Metropolis Touring, Maric Media and The Damned for the Media Accreditation.
About the Writer and Photographer: Erica Lorimer holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Degree from the University of Western Australia (UWA), majoring in English Literature and Economics, and a Certificate IV in Design. She is also a freelance photographer who loves capturing images of live music and travel photography, sometimes with film from vintage cameras and making prints in a home darkroom.
About Sheldon Ang Media: Perth based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) have been accredited to over 80 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), KNOTFEST 2024 (Melbourne), KISS, P!NK, Tom Jones and Red Hot Chili Peppers with reviews shared by the likes of UB40, Delta Goodrem and Toni Childs. The founder has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro, Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 50 artists.
