The Damned were at the vanguard of the UK's first wave of punk rock. From their explosive 1976 debut single "New Rose" to their landmark debut album, "Damned Damned Damned," they established themselves as sonic anarchists, embracing breakneck tempos and sneering vocals. However, by 1980, The Damned had begun to shed the rawest elements of their sound, their music becoming more expansive and complex as the punk scene itself diversified. "Live at Shepperton 1980" captures the band in full force at this fascinating transitional moment.
The album showcases a Damned setlist that draws from their early, breakneck hits like "Neat Neat Neat" alongside more sonically adventurous material from their then-recent album "The Black Album." The band's performance is electrifying, with frontman Dave Vanian's gothic croon leading the charge. Fans responded enthusiastically to this show, a private event put on for members of The Damned's fan club, and the album's release was a way for the band to share this energy and dynamic setlist.
"Live at Shepperton 1980" stands as a fascinating document, not simply of a singular Damned performance, but of the broader evolution of punk. While tracks like "New Rose" and a cover of The Beatles' "Help!" maintain the raw, three-chord energy of the genre's origins, songs from "The Black Album" demonstrate a move towards greater musical depth and sophistication. Tracks like "Wait for the Blackout" and "Lively Arts" hinted at the gothic and psychedelic-tinged avenues The Damned would explore further in subsequent years.
While controversy courted The Damned throughout their career, the "Live at Shepperton 1980" period was arguably one of less scandal for the band. Their early days brought a reputation for onstage antics and clashes with authorities. However, as they progressed musically, their rebellious attitude seemed to manifest more in their sonic expansion than disruptive behavior
The production on "Live at Shepperton 1980" is raw, perfectly capturing the energy and immediacy of the performance. While it may lack the polish of a meticulous studio recording, the album transports directly back to that exclusive fan club event. The raucous crowd and Vanian's between-song quips enhance the feeling of being right there in the audience.
