The Damned Tickets

As a confirmed Damned fan of many, many years I was always going to enjoy the gig, but this one was definitely one of the good ones. The set list was dominated by the era of the first six albums so contrasted with the Darkadelic tour. The stage banter and antics showed that the band are still having fun doing what they do best, and all perform with impressive vigour, especially Rat who seemed manic on the night. Although the venue was all-seater, so I had my doubts at first, this didn't seem to matter (nobody sat down) and seemed to allow Dave in particular to interact more with the fans at the front compared with a traditional pit.

The Damned have been around since the mid-1970s, but unlike most bands of the era, they're not on a 'comeback' tour. They don't need to be because these guys never stopped recording and touring! The first time I saw them was around 1990 in New York City. Life got in the way, and I didn't see them again until about 2018. I don't think I've missed a show in the NYC or Toronto area since then -- and The Damned have never let me down. They put on a better show than performers half their age. The set list is always a solid mix of songs from their considerable catalogue - one or two from Darkadelic, and then a selection of songs from Machine Gun Etiquette, Strawberries, Phantasmagoria, and all the albums I grew up with. The crowd may be aging, but Dave Vanian and the band don't seem to be. They still have incredible energy, and they sound fantastic. (Dave doesn't go for the high notes on 'Eloise' anymore, but he styles it so well, you don't miss them.) The entire crowd seems to be having the time of its life, and the band does its best to make sure that's the case. Every time I see them, I worry that it will be the last time they tour. I'm so glad I've been consistently wrong! If they keep touring, I'll keep going. They're just so good - and so much fun - live.

Opening act didn't show up, DJ from a telephone receiving text messages, band sounded harsh and woofy and over compressed / no dynamics.

What a performance from the most professional of bands from „back then“. The audience - punk pensioners and new punk teens - were at it down at the front, no holds barred. You want to see rock n roll punk style with self irony? Catch the Damned at the next available opportunity!!

I have had the opportunity to see the Damned twice in the last five years and WOW. They really sound fantastic. Their live shows are well performed, with all the popular songs included and a nice representation of lesser known tunes. Really wonderful experience.

The Damned delivered in Santa Ana. Classic tunes, and brilliant banter !

Great concert!!! The band were really tight, with energy and audience interaction. They played all the best songs and got the audience bouncing!! Loved it

The Damned have had an indescribable energy to them since Rat rejoined. They are musically tight and put on a fantastic show! Dave's vocals are still out of this world. Loved seeing them at The Wiltern - even thought it was a packed house, it didn't feel crowded in the lobby and there weren't long lines. Everything went smoothly. Can't wait to see them again!

I am still reeling over the Damned show at the Wiltern on 5/27/25. I felt like I stepped into some glorious, gritty dream where the past and present live simultaneously. I cannot wait to see them again!

I've been fortunate enough to witness The Damned's electrifying live shows since the early 80s, and I can confidently say they still deliver an unforgettable experience. Lead singer Dave Vanian's boundless energy remains unchanged, and his voice remains remarkably strong. Captain sensible has not changed over the years and still has his quirky authentically, punk rock style, and vibe. It was great to see the rest of the band play as well a reunion with Rat Scabies. Monty Oxymoron and Paul Grey brought on additional energy and great synergy with the band. Their genre-bending sound, blending rockabilly, British punk, goth, and rock 'n' roll, is a testament to their enduring influence. If you're a fan of these genres, seeing The Damned live is an absolute must. The Wiltern's stunning Art Deco architecture provided the perfect backdrop, infusing the atmosphere with a hauntingly beautiful Gothic vibe. It was truly a night to remember.