THE DAMNED’S ‘EVIL SPIRITS’ DEBUTS AT #7 ON THE UK ALBUMS CHART: A FIRST IN THE BAND’S 41 YEAR CAREER

British punk rock icons The Damned are in the Top 10 of the UK album charts for the first time in their 41 year career, with their Visconti-produced album ‘Evil Spirits’ entering the charts on Friday at number 7. Despite scoring numerous chart-topping singles in the past, their highest charting album, 1985’s ‘Phantasmagoria’, just missed the top ten spot and peaked at number 11. History was in the making, however, with the Friday the 13^th release of the critically acclaimed ‘Evil Spirits’, the band’s first full album release in ten years, as its mid-week sales showed it racing into the top ten.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” laughs frontman Dave Vanian. “But it feels great to finally get there, as it’s been a long time coming. We’ve had lots of top ten singles but never an album. Even when ‘Eloise’ was a big hit, we were pipped to the number one spot by a novelty song by (British comedy actor and singer) Su Pollard! This time we’ve had Kylie and the Manics to compete with. A huge thanks to the fans, of course, without whom this record would never have been made. It feels amazing to finally get it out there.”

The band have just released the new video for the single, ‘Look Left‘, filmed at the legendary Camden venue, Koko. ‘Look Left’ is The Damned at their most epic and grandiose; a sweeping sugarcoated mind grenade, addressing post-millennial society’s “media-induced coma” over lush vocal melodies and show tune theatrics. Written by drummer Pinch as a love song to the human race, the rich balladry holds a heavy lyrical theme within.

May 17 – Frankfurt – Batschkapp
May 19 – Lausanne – Les Docks
May 20 – Milan – Magnolia
May 22 – Munich – Strom
May 23 – Berlin – SO36

May 25 – Hamburg – Fabrik
May 26 – Oberhausen – Turbinenhalle
May 27 – Amsterdam – Melkweg Oude Zaal

May 29 – Paris – Petit Bain

June 16 – Birmingham – Genting Arena *

June 17 – Manchester – Arena *

June 19 – Glasgow – SSE Hydro *

June 20 – London – SSE Arena, Wembley *

 

US:
July 1 – Oakland – Burger Boogaloo Festival

July 5 – Vancouver –  Commodore Ballroom
July 6 – Portland – Crystal Ballroom
July 7 – Seattle – Showbox at the Market

August 22 – Southampton – 02 Guildhall

August 23 – Holmfirth – Holmfirth Picture House

August 24 – Warrington – Warrington Parr Hall

August 25  – Belfast – Belsonic Festival (main support to Stiff Little Fingers)

“Dave Vanian sounds as though he relishes every word he sings and Captain Sensible plays out of his skin. But it’s the rhythm section of bassist Paul Gray and drummer Pinch that drive this damn fine record to the outer limits.” **** 5 starsDaily Express

“…a highly melodic release with huge hooks and the usual amalgamation of punk, garage, goth, and psych that the band excels at…another great album……not to be missed.” Big Takeover