203. The Damned

Is it possible to have a brilliant career but still somehow seem lost in the shuffle? This rhetorical question seems accurate when looking at the Damned, a Punk band that was certainly influential yet always appeared in the shadows of larger Punk bands.

As one of the leading Punk bands in the United Kingdom, the Damned was one of the first Punk bands to have any level of success. They added other elements to their rapid fire sound such as Garage and Psychedelic and with the crooning style of lead singer Dave Vanian; the Damned had a far more retro feel than their Punk brethren. Future work would see them foreshadow Gothic Rock; which helped to influence a new batch of artists. The Damned did not chart in the United States and that fact may help to keep this outfit out of the Hall.

Should The Damned be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put them in! - 87.3%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 1.8%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 9.1%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 1.8%

The Bullet Points

Eligible Since: Tuesday, 01 January 2002
Country of Origin: United Kingdom (London, England)
Why they will get in:
Never discount successful punk bands.
Why they won't get in: Other Punk bands are way ahead of them on that list.
Nominated in: Never
Essential Albums:
Damned Damned Damned (1977)
Music For Pleasure (1977)
Dr. John’s Gumbo (1972)
Phantasmagoria (1985)
Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee:
New Rose (From Damned Damned Damned, 1977)
Neat Neat Neat (From Damned Damned Damned, 1977)
Stab Your Back (From Damned Damned Damned, 1977)
Smash It Up (From Machine Gun Etiquette, 1979)
Grimly Fiendish (From Phantasmagoria, 1985)