Awesome show
by ACS on 5/27/25The Van Buren - PhoenixRating: 5 out of 5Both The Adverts and The Damned were super, worth every penny to see either let alone both. If you miss this concert opportunity I feel sorry for you. Really.

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THE DAMNED IN CONCERT:
The Damned will go down in music history as the first British punk band to release a single, but most fans will remember them for the fury of their epic live shows. Adrenaline-fueled guitar solos and rapid-fire snare rolls are the order of the day wherever the group plays, and audiences always go crazy for their raw, unbridled sound. They balance their high-speed energy with gothic elements like eerie keyboard flourishes and Dave Vanian's dark vocals, and the result is a dynamic concert experience that stays true to their punk roots while also exploring more shoadowy territory. On tour The Damned tears through intense tunes like “Neat Neat Neat”, “New Rose”, and “Smash It Up” with savage intensity, treating ticket buyers to a high-octane punk rock spectacle that shakes them to their core.
BACKGROUND SNAPSHOT:
Dave Vanian (vocals), Captain Sensible (guitar/bass), Rat Scabbies (drums), and Brian James (guitar) formed The Damned in 1976. That same year they beat all their punk contemporaries to the punch by releasing "New Rose", the first single of the British punk movement. They also released the first UK punk album, 1977's Damned Damned Damned, an instant classic that's as vital today as it was 30 years ago. Their early emergence on the scene and popularity allowed them to tour the US before any of their British peers, and they influenced numerous ‘80s hardcore bands in the process. The group added keyboards and began experimenting with tempo dynamics in the ‘80s -- two developments that proved pivotal to the goth movement. After being dormant in the ‘90s they reformed at the end of the decade and haven’t looked back since. The Damned are still going loud and strong, bringing their signature sound to new generations of punk fans every time they tour.
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Both The Adverts and The Damned were super, worth every penny to see either let alone both. If you miss this concert opportunity I feel sorry for you. Really.
another great show at Observatory ..excellent sound and lights ..Adverts singer TV Smith impressed with his 77 punk sound..Damned returned w Rat on drums again . Perfect bridge of thier punk and goth pioneer material from The Black Album and Strawberries ..as well as a few earlier ones dedicated to the late Brian James and later goth/ psych numbers from post Captain lineups ..really could not have been better . Next year marks their 50th anniversary . The Ramones and Clash are long gone and of the 70s punk bands still carrying on in whatever form only The Damned are still near what they used to be
Another amazing show by the Damned I just wish they played more older stuff but it was still awesome. And security at the show was also amazing they did a hell of a job getting people in and out
Bought my first Damned LP in 1980 (still have it and numerous others). Took me 45 years to finally get to see them live! The show was great...they were all hitting on all cylinders. Couldn't have asked for a better setlist. Captain really made me smile. The Van Buren is a great venue. The sound system was tuned well, and it had a great vibe (reminded me of Ashkenaz in Berkeley). Typical overly expensive beverages (but no Guiness!). Oh, and it was freezing until just after the opening band (The Adverts) performed. Overall, 4 out of 5 stars!
Go see them, killer show!! Played for 90 minutes. Bucket list check ✅
These guts never disappoint. Also, the venue is a really good one too
Next year these bands celebrate 50 years. Loyal fans crowd energy always makes for a great concert. Sound system at the Van Buren is excellent. My favorite venue in Phoenix
The Damned and their opening act did not disappoint. The venue was terrific too. Great sound, acoustics, etc. The stage is viewable no matter where you stand and there are plenty of bars to quench your thirst. Pizza joint next door was a happy surprise. But parking downtown is a nightmare and the prepay option with LN basically plops you in a fenced dirt lot with no supervision. Do yourself a favor and opt for the paid garage just a few blocks over. The prepay is a waste of money...
Second time in 40 years. They're even better and play like they're in their 20's.
Do not miss seeing The Damned!!!! One of the best shows ever!
Amazing! You don’t want to miss this epic band when they play your town
The Damned put on an a truly amazing show. The whole band had energy and stage presence, but the lead singer was the power house of the show.
Amazing to see this lineup live. This might be the best Damned show that I have ever seen. Not to be missed if they come to your town.
This was my first time seeing The Damned and they were incredible!! Exceeded all of my expectations. If you have a chance to see them live, they are not to miss! They rocked the roof off the place and have so much stage presence- loved the whole damned experience 🖤🎸🇬🇧
The Damned at the Civic Theatre in New Orleans were phenomenal. A lineup I never thought I would get to see, with the amazing Rat Scabies back on drums. Material from Machine Gun Etiquette and The Black Album was well represented, as well as selections from Phantasmagoria and some choice covers (Alone Again Or, from Love, and White Rabbit, from Jefferson Airplane). Neat Neat Neat and New Rose, of course. Dave Vainian's voice sounded great, Captain Sensible's guitar sounded great. Special kudos to Paul Gray who played a monstrous Rickenbacker throughout. Monty Oxymoron on keys was also great. A nice long two hour show with two encores. Smash It Up!
The Damned were incredible. Absolutely a powerhouse show. I will always get tickets for them as long as they choose to tour.
I finally got to see them live and they were amazing! Hopefully I can see them again when I am in Europe this summer.
In light of the Florida Halo law, the venue being swamped with cops (even in VIP) seems negligent. Addressing this only resulted in a shrug and "It will address it with management. Their placement in the venue seems like the House of Blues is helping entrap their patrons. I've already contacted a lawyer that is willing to take the Class Action
Seeing these legends live is a great experience! The energy, the interaction, and the music give nonstop fun. The only bad part is that it had to end.
Best show that I’ve seen in some time. These guys seem like they’re no older than 40. They seemed to be having as much fun as the crowd. Still the best band to come out of the 70’s punk era.