Album review: THE DAMNED – Tiki Nightmare: Live At Shepherd’s Bush Empire July 2002

The Damned - Tiki Nightmare

Salvo/Union Square (2CD/DVD) [Release date 10.02.14]

Widely recognised as the first UK punk band, releasing a punk album and single (and I’m near the front of the queue to stick that up the nose of the Sex Pistols), The Damned have been through a variety of line-ups, yet they’re still going strong.

With vocalist Dave Vanian the constant factor, this show features guitarist Captain Sensible (their original bassist), alongside bassist Patricia Morrison, keyboardist Monty Oxy Moron and drummer Pinch.

The Damned have always been at the Gothic Pop end of punk, epitomised by the visuals and vocals of vocalist Vanian, who’s vocals and attire suit the sound perfectly and his mannerisms add to his skill as a frontman. The gothic touch is bolstered by the black leather touch of Morrison, and the opening track Street Of Dreams from the personal fave Phantasmagoria album.

The keyboards suit the sound well, and The Captain (complete in Bermuda shorts and seafaring cap) is more than happy to converse with the crowd.

Classic Punk originals include Neat Neat Neat, New Rose and Love Song, which mix well with the blistering Wait For The blackout, the gothic hit single Eloise and The Captain’s own Happy Talk. Yes you have to laugh, but this music is to be enjoyed.

The show is covered over a DVD and audio on 2CDs – a well recorded show and thoroughly enjoyable too. ***1/2

Review by Joe Geesin

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

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09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
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