The Damned Plot 50th Anniversary Blowout at Wembley
Punk icons mark milestone with all-star lineup at London’s OVO Arena
The Damned, Britain’s original punk firebrands, have announced a massive one-night-only celebration for their 50th anniversary, taking place Saturday 11th April 2026 at OVO Arena Wembley, London.
Joining them for this milestone event will be a fittingly eclectic mix of special guests: garage rockers The Loveless featuring Marc Almond, post-punk pioneers Peter Hook And The Light, and retro-fueled duo The Courettes.
“Still upright and breathing”
“Half a century on and who’d of thought the Damned would still be upright and breathing?” the band quipped in a statement. “We’ve booked Wembley and put together a bill for a night to remember… with the best songs from our chequered history, performed with passion and commitment. You know we won’t disappoint.”
Formed in 1976, The Damned made history with the release of “New Rose”—the UK’s first punk single—and followed it with trailblazing achievements including the first punk album and a groundbreaking American tour. Five decades on, they remain a force in punk, goth, and alternative rock.
The current lineup includes founding vocalist Dave Vanian, guitarist Captain Sensible, drummer Rat Scabies (who rejoined the fold last year), bassist Paul Gray, and keyboardist Monty Oxymoron. Their live shows continue to draw raves, with the band’s catalogue spanning from raw punk classics like “Neat Neat Neat” to gothic anthems like “Grimly Fiendish.”
A night for the ages
The guests reflect the breadth of The Damned’s influence: Marc Almond’s Loveless brings glam and grit; Peter Hook channels the spectral power of Joy Division and New Order; and The Courettes deliver a blast of 60s-infused rock’n’roll energy.
Tickets for the event are available now via AEG Presents, and more updates are available at aegp.uk/TheDamned50th.
More The Damned on Punkinfocus: The Damned Announce Final Damnation 50 UK Tour (April 2026) · The Damned Reimagine Pink Floyd with Dazzling New Single (December 2025) · The Damned Return With Covers Album Honouring Brian James (October 2025)
