Punk legends The Damned have followed up their last single “Standing On The Edge Of Tomorrow” with the video for the politically minded cautionary croon “Look Left”; a song that wonders while we are with our heads turned in distraction: “what the hell is happening right?”
Read more about the new single, and the new album’s chart success in the band’s official press release below:
British punk rock icons The Damned are on course to enter the UK album chart in the top 10 for the first time in their 41 year career. Their Visconti produced album ‘Evil Spirits’ is actually sitting in the Top 5 in today’s midweek numbers.
Despite scoring numerous chart-topping singles, their highest charting album, ‘Phantasmagoria’ in 1985, just missed the top ten spot and peaked at number 11. History is in the making this week, however, with the Friday the 13th release of the critically-acclaimed ‘Evil Spirits’, the band’s first full album release in ten years, as its mid-week sales show 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.”
Today the band release a new video for new single, Look Left, filmed at the legendary Camden venue, Koko. ‘Look Left’ is The Damned at their most epic and grandiose; a sweeping sugar-coated 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 lush balladry holds a heavy lyrical theme within.
Evil Spirits available now, has a distinctly old school feel to it, reminiscent of the Black Album/Strawberries era of the band, which is appropriate given the return of bassist Paul Gray to the lineup, who performed on both those albums.
The Damned are supporting the Hollywood Vampires (Joe Perry, Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp) at the following UK dates:
- June 16th Birmingham Genting Arena
- June 17th Manchester Arena
- June 19th Glasgow The SSE Hydro
- June 20th London The SSE Arena, Wembley
And at the following headline shows in August:
- August 22nd Southampton, 02 Guildhall
- August 23rd Holmfirth, Holmfirth Picture House
- August 24th Warrington, Warrington Parr Hall
- August 25th Belfast, Belsonic Festival