The Damned

The Damned became British punk icons the same year the American Bicentennial quarter became collectible. After playing its first gig with the Sex Pistols way back then, the Damned launched “New Rose,” recognized by most as the first punk single, on an unsuspecting public months before the Pistols had their bollocks lined up. These days, drummer Rat Scabies is gone, but the Damned 2002 includes veteran maniac/guitarist Captain Sensible and original singer Dave Vanian, a punk-goth role model for at least two generations of singers, including the Cramps’ Lux Interior (looks and sound), the Cure’s Robert Smith (looks only) and every member of the Strokes (looks and pants). The Damned still performs old pub-goth tunes and punk anthems such as “Love Song” and “I Just Can’t Be Happy,” with newer tracks such as “Would You Be So Hot (If You Weren’t Dead)” freshening up the program.