The Damned Return with Classic Line-Up and Tribute Album Not Like Everybody Else
Punk icons The Damned are back with Not Like Everybody Else, a deeply personal new covers album set for release on 23rd January 2026 via earMUSIC. Recorded in just five days at Revolver Studio, LA, the album reunites the classic 1982 Strawberries line-up — Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, Rat Scabies, and Paul Gray — for the first time in four decades, joined once again by longtime keyboardist Monty Oxymoron.
The album is a tribute to founding member Brian James, who passed away in March 2025, and features songs that inspired the formation of the band in 1976 — from Pink Floyd and The Animals to The Rolling Stones. Fittingly, the album ends with “The Last Time,” performed by Brian himself, captured during his final shows with the band.
“Not Like Everybody Else” is a celebration of our roots — and of Brian. This is the sound of reconnection, not just with our past, but with each other.” — The Damned
New Single Summer In The City Out 16th January
The third single from the album, Summer In The City, drops 16th January 2026, and follows the band’s reimagining of There’s A Ghost In My House. The album arrives just one week later, and will be available on CD digipak, 180g black vinyl, and a limited-edition rainbow sparkle gatefold LP.
Instore Q&A and Signing Events Announced
To celebrate the release, The Damned will appear at exclusive UK in-stores during release week — including Q&A sessions hosted by Phil Alexander and Pat Gilbert, and intimate signing sessions in London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, and Brighton.
The dates are as follows:
Friday 23rd January:
Rough Trade London East Q and A and signing hosted by Phil Alexander
7pm
Tickets & info: HERE
Saturday 24th January:
HMV Birmingham Bullring Instore signing 12-2pm
Info: HERE
Rough Trade Liverpool Q and A and signing hosted by Phil Alexander 7pm
Tickets & Info: HERE
Monday 26th January:
HMV Manchester instore signing 1-3pm
Info: HERE
Thursday 29th January:
Resident Brighton Q and A and signing hosted by Pat Gilbert 6pm
Tickets & Info: HERE
The Brighton appearance serves as a heartfelt conclusion to the run — Brian James had lived there, and is laid to rest in the city.
One-Off Covers Shows & 50th Anniversary Concert
In addition to the in-store run, The Damned will perform three special tribute shows featuring material from Not Like Everybody Else, alongside fan-favourite covers from their early years. These shows are set to be explosive, career-spanning nights celebrating Brian and the band’s legacy.
One-Off Covers Shows:
28 Jan – Albert Hall, Manchester
01 Feb – Bataclan, Paris
03 Feb – Essigfabrik, Cologne
The celebration culminates in a 50th anniversary show at OVO Arena Wembley on 11th April 2026, with a lineup featuring The Loveless feat. Marc Almond, Peter Hook & The Light, and The Courettes.
Not Like Everybody Else – Tracklist
Side A:
- There’s A Ghost In My House
- Summer In The City
- Making Time
- Gimme Danger
- See Emily Play
Side B:
6. I’m Not Like Everybody Else
7. Heart Full Of Soul
8. You Must Be A Witch
9. When I Was Young
10. The Last Time
