Paul Cashmere interviews Rat Scabies of The Damned ahead of the band’s return to Australia.
In this Noise11 conversation, Rat Scabies reflects on 50 years of The Damned, the early days of punk rock in London, and the band’s legacy as the first UK punk band to release a single with ‘New Rose’ in 1976.
Rat Scabies talks candidly about reuniting with original members Dave Vanian and Captain Sensible, recording the recent tribute album ‘Not Like Everybody Else’, and the emotional experience of working again with the late Brian James. He also discusses hearing Brian’s final recordings on the band’s version of ‘The Last Time’.
The interview dives deep into punk history, including memories of the 100 Club shows with the Sex Pistols, the connection between Sid Vicious and The Damned, and how the word “punk” became attached to the movement.
Rat also recalls the financial windfall when Guns N’ Roses covered ‘New Rose’ and The Offspring recorded ‘Smash It Up’, plus his work outside The Damned with The Sinclairs and 1,000 Motels.
Beyond music, Rat discusses his fascination with the Holy Grail mystery, the book ‘Rat Scabies and the Holy Grail’, and the possibility of a future Damned movie.
The conversation finishes with memories of Australian punk pioneers The Saints and Melbourne legend Spencer P. Jones ahead of The Damned’s next Australian tour.
Interview by Paul Cashmere for Noise11.com.
https://thephoenix.au/the-damned-2026/
THE DAMNED AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND SEPTEMBER 2026 TOUR DATES
Tuesday 8 September, Auckland, Powerstation
Thursday 10 September, Sydney, The Opera House
Friday 11 September, Brisbane, The Tivoli
Sunday 13 September, Melbourne, The Forum
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