“We stopped playing for 10 minutes and ate pizza on-stage while the crowd watched.” The Damned were the first UK punk band to tour America and it was an unforgettable experience for all involved
The Damned, the first UK punk band to release a single with "New Rose" in October 1976, went on to become the first British punk act to tour America, playing New York, Boston, Los Angeles and San Francisco in April 1977. Drummer Rat Scabies has recalled the tour in a new interview with MOJO magazine, describing New York as an overwhelming and unforgettable experience for the young London band.
The band's debut US show saw them play two sets at the famed CBGB club in New York on 7 April 1977, opening with "I Feel Alright" and closing with "So Messed Up", both taken from their debut album "Damned Damned Damned". They returned to the venue for further shows on 8, 9 and 10 April, cementing their status as pioneers who paved the way for other UK punk bands to follow across the Atlantic.
- The Damned were the first UK punk band to release a single
- They became the first UK punk act to tour the US, April 1977
- Debut US shows were four nights at New York's CBGB club