Couldn’t agree more, but I’d also include Machine Gun Etiquette (which was also on the Chiswick label), even if it’s a different bassist. They took a huge evolutionary step when they regrouped in late ‘78/early ‘79 and Cap switched from bass to guitar. With the original lineup, it was mostly Brian’s band. He wrote almost all of the songs and called most of the shots. Don’t get me wrong, the original lineup was absolutely amazing, but when they came back in ‘79 with Machine Gun Etiquette, things went to a whole new level. They went from being an amazing, trail-blazing punk band to a mindblowingly incredible post punk band whose music and image couldn’t be categorized. Just completely, 100% unique and original. Also, not to split hairs, but Strawberries and Lovely Money were on the Bronze label, and Friday 13th EP was on NEMS. Still, labels aside, I consider the entire ‘79-‘82 timeframe as being the same era. Their output from that period remains fresh, relevant, and loads of FUN to listen to. Very few bands have creative explosions of that magnitude.
@@kevinrhea7332 I agree. My two favorite bands. Raven through to Feline were the Stranglers in their most prolific phase. However, Rattus is a close 2nd to Raven for me.
It’s not just you. He’s by far their best bassist. Not only that, but for my money one of the top 3 bassists in the entire history of rock and roll. His style is so patented and fluid. I can hear one note, selected randomly, and right away I know it’s him. The king of the Rickenbacher. I’m not crazy about the Damned’s new stuff, but I must say that having Paul back in the band has really saved them.
In his own right then definitely - I loved Algy's sound and punkiness but it was hard to find out which songs he actually played on MGE as they reckon he was too pissed half the time or not there and Captain played them songs instead.... yeehah...
People sometimes forget just what a monster of a drummer Rat was back then. This is the classic lineup with Roman on keyboards. Doesn't get any better.
@@Rhubarb.and.Crustard for me personally yes. I first seen them in 1981 with this line up and seeing them over 100 times since including the original line up, though I am looking forward to seeing the original line up at Birmingham, Hammersmith and Manchester next year
@@Rhubarb.and.Crustard looking forward to it myself. Always enjoyed nearly every line up of the Damned. I appreciate that every fan has a favourite era of the Damned
Well we now see how much original thought Bono put into his Acthung Baby style makeover. I Mean, even the hair to almost the strand. If he only had a tenth of the towering wit and imagination of Dave and company U2 might not be so shit.
@@PuNkJuNk63 Well that’s all subjective, isn’t it? How about we all just split the difference and say that both the original lineup *AND* this lineup were the best at what they did, because it was really two different styles and sounds. The first album lineup was pure, unadulterated, no frills punk rock. This lineup is… what? Neo-psychedelic post punk, proto-goth, garage-pop…? Or maybe just uncategorizeable. It’s a clear case of apples and oranges.
You gotta excuse Bono for copying Dave's💜 look & appreciate the fact that he had the good sense to recognize & admire Dave's💜 incredibly unique fashion sense & talents which too many others failed to notice.✌️💚
I don't even remember who opened up for U2 at Pine Knob, my friend's parents bought the tickets.. Although I missed out on seeing The Damned✨ live in concert coz I did'nt even know that they were touring! 🙋🌠✨⚡
All the Bono comments are making me laugh. I seriously doubt that Bono was ever attempting to emulate Vanian, 12 years after Vanian had this look going. Probably just a coincidence that he stumbled on to the same look. These things sometimes happen. In no way am I trying to stand up for Bono, but come on… how could anyone think Bono is even remotely cool enough to be influenced by Dave Vanian?
So? They never pretended to be anything else. No political posturing or classist stance. The Damned were wise to sidestep that shit. So many other old punks were found out later on to be absolute hypocrites.
