The Damned Announce Farewell Australian Tour

“Half a century on and who’d have thought we would still be upright and breathing?” asked Rat Scabies.

After returning to Australia for a “final” tour in early 2024, The Damned have announced more shows for this September.

When they visited in 2024, the shows marked the first tour since 1989 to feature the band’s classic line-up of Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, Rat Scabies and Paul Gray.

The band are often regarded alongside The Clash and The Sex Pistols as a seminal force in music, thanks to their frenetic fusion of punk rock, gothic influences, and dark lyrics. Formed in 1976, The Damned’s career spans over four decades and includes numerous acclaimed albums, including Damned Damned Damned, Machine Gun Etiquette, and Phantasmagoria.

Performing as part of their 50th anniversary farewell celebrations – the Final Damnation 50 tour – this year’s run of shows is centred around a landmark show at the Sydney Opera House. To this day, The Damned continue to deliver chaotic, theatrical, and unforgettable performances. And this year, they’ll perform the most definitive shows of their career.

Beginning the trek in New Zealand at Auckland’s Powerstation on Tuesday, 8 September, the band will then journey to Australia, performing at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday, 10 September, Brisbane’s The Tivoli on Friday, 11 September, and Melbourne’s Forum on Sunday, 13 September.

Pre-sale tickets will be available on Wednesday, 22 April, at 9 am local time, followed by the general sale on Friday, 24 April, at 9 am local time. You can find more ticketing information on The Phoenix.

“Half a century on and who’d have thought we would still be upright and breathing?” asked Rat Scabies. “We never thought we’d make it this far, and neither did you! But here we are. A finely tuned engine. The Damned still has the power and finesse to excite, entertain and accelerate into our 50th year.”

Captain Sensible added, “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.”