I hae awoken to news that The Damned's long rumoured, almost mythical covers album is set for a release date to tie into next year's 50th anniversary celebrations. It is said to be a tribute to Brian James, without whom.... So far, next year has the Wembley show and 2 warm ups in Amsterdam and Leuven (Belgium) in the week leading up to the big one. Naturally, we're going to all of them!! You can't take it with you....so time to get spending. Is it a collection of previous recordings? Is it a whole new set, who knows...? Still, it'll help pay for Dave's divorce.
I've got tickets to see these two tonight at St Pancras old church, should be very good. Btw I'm not sure whether you were already aware but one of the songs on the new album, Gossamer Wings was co-written with Paul Weller and he also played hammond organ and provided backing vocals as well.
Totally forgot to comment on Dave Ball's passing ...look, you all knew this was coming Wait a minute, that's not it... Ahhh, that's the stuff!
46 years old today (somehow it seems longer than that), but the anniversary is a good excuse to post this (its probably not the first time)
I bought it the week it was released. Would've been on the Saturday as that was when I got my paper round money! Incidentally, I remember watching that performance when it was originally broadcast. I've got a feeling they also performed When you're young on that episode of Something Else, which is my favourite Jam single.
That episode of Something Else also featured Joy Division. and in the 2nd series in 1981 Weller had some input into another episode which included footage of them playing Man In The Corner Shop and Funeral Pyre.
RIP my mate 'Ĺord ****sy', a fabulously funny bloke and Damned super fan whose passing brought condolences from members of the band. He passed late on Friday afternoon. He HATED live performances of 'Eloise' and when the song was announced/the opening bars played, if Mark was there, an ear splitting cry of 'PISS BREAK!' was followed by his exit to the loos. He bought me a drink on my birthday in Glasgow at the Pistols and Frank Carter gig in June and was on top, top form. I cannot believe that he won't be at the upcoming Undertones gig for me to return the compliment. Only 59...my heart goes out to the bereft Sarah and his daughters. You were greatly loved and your joie de vivre will be missed by so many.
Gawd bless the boys!! After the 'no more UK gigs until after the 50th Anniversary' had taken hold...a one-off special to mark the release of the new covers album. This is all very good news. Less good is venue is in Manchester...???? Why they would do such a thing is beyond me? Still, hotels are booked, Mrs B is begging her new job to let her travel down from Durham (£120 return...) and all concerned are sourcing their Lord ****sy outfits - top hat (with Smash It Up stickrr) tails and a purposely badly drawn, felt tip moustache. Bring it on!!!
It's one of the first pieces of music that I remember from my mum listening to the radio In the 60's. So, it was always a favourite of mine, before The boys' cover version. It's a really good cover, but I'm not a fan of much of the post-Captain stuff. I prefer it to Grimly Fiendish, which was written by the Doctor, from Doctor and the Medics...and is a bit **** really. LOTS of original punk bands were pumping out 60's covers, as it was the only way to get any air play. Siouxsie did 'Dear Prudence' and 'This Wheels on Fire', The Stranglers did '96 Tears' and 'All Day and All of the Night', The Damned also did 'Alone Again Or...'. I'd definitely put Eloise ahead of 3 of the others. I hate The Stranglers' ones and Siouxsie's version of 'This Wheel's...' is really nothing special. 'Dear Prudence ' is better than the original. The 2 Damned ones stand up to the originals, at least, and may well be better...I'm biased. Above anything, my eldest is named Eloise...so, "**** you!!" (Offence intended)...
Siouxsie & Thej Banshees did quite a few - Helter Skelter was another. But the kings of ‘60s covers were - of course - da Brudders. Do You Wanna Dance?, Let’s Dance, Needles & Pins, Baby I Love You, Indian Giver - and a whole album’s worth in Acid Eaters
That song's been covered a lot, even for a Beatles track. It's more because of old Charlie than any love of the music.
