Punk pioneers to mark milestone with special guests The Loveless featuring Marc Almond, Peter Hook And The Light and The Courettes
Punk pioneers The Damned have announced a special 50th anniversary show at OVO Arena Wembley on Friday 11 April 2026, marking five decades since the band first exploded onto the scene as one of the founders of British punk rock.
The milestone celebration will also feature special guests The Loveless featuring Marc Almond, Peter Hook And The Light and The Courettes.
Speaking about this unmissable night of history, The Damned said: “Half a century on and who’d of thought the Damned would still be upright and breathing? We have shared some tragic losses along the way, but like a finely tuned engine, The Damned still has the power and finesse to excite, entertain and accelerate into our 50th year…
“To mark this milestone event, we’ve booked OVO Arena Wembley for 11 April 2026 and after a lot of careful deliberation have put a bill together for a night for you to remember and will be joined by The Courettes, Peter Hook and Mark Almond!
“We haven’t made up the set list as yet but with 50 years of catalogue to choose from, only the best songs from our chequered history will be performed – and with the passion and commitment all good music lovers deserve. You know we won’t disappoint… We never thought we’d make it this far and neither did you.”
Be Careful What You Wish For
Formed in 1976, The Damned were the first UK punk band to release a single (New Rose), the first to release an album (Damned Damned Damned), and the first to tour the US. Over five decades, they have remained one of the most enduring and influential bands in punk, goth and alternative rock.
The 50th anniversary show promises to be a career-spanning celebration, drawing from their extensive catalogue that includes classics like New Rose, Neat Neat Neat, Love Song, and Grimly Fiendish.
They are still earning an ever-expanding fan base fuelled by legendary live shows. Their dark lyrics and Dave Vanian’s rich baritone vocals also catapulted The Damned to the forefront of the Goth-Rock Genre. The Damned today defy categorisation and their songs defy time, sounding as vital as the day they were released.
Last year, David Vanian, Captain Sensible, Rat Scabies and Paul Gray played triumphant shows across the UK, the first time this line-up has played together in 35 years, since 1989.
This tour welcomes Rat Scabies back to the stage, who has rejoined the band for tours, festivals and more. One of the original founding members, The Damned drummer Scabies puts it simply – “Be careful what you wish for.’’
Special Guests
For The Loveless featuring Marc Almond and long-term guitarist/sideman Neal X recruited punk icon Iggy Pop’s rhythm section, Ben Ellis and Mat Hector, to form The Loveless. Drawing material from Marc’s immense back catalogue with nods to T. Rex, Iggy, David Bowie, 60s R&B and garage rock, it’s a thunderous return to their primeval rock roots.
Peter Hook & The Light are led by the legendary New Order bassist and continue the legacy of Joy Division and New Order through the bass-driven vision of one of post-punk’s most influential musicians. Hook’s distinctive style helped define the sound of Manchester’s music scene, an ideal addition to a celebration of British alternative music history.
The Courettes are Brazilian guitarist Flávia Couri and Danish drummer Martin Thorsen, a couple who channel their mutual love of music, 60s culture, space-age designs and art.
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