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“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.
In short
- 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
Explained simply
The Damned were an early British punk band whose debut single "New Rose" arrived in 1976 as punk was emerging as a rebellious new music movement in the UK. They became known for their energetic performances and played an important role in establishing punk as a serious force in popular music during a period of significant change in the rock scene.
In April 1977, The Damned became the first British punk group to tour America, playing several shows at CBGB, a famous nightclub in New York. At that time, American audiences had limited exposure to British punk, making this tour historically important as one of the first introductions to the movement. The band's ability to draw crowds showed that there was genuine American interest in British punk's raw energy and attitude.
This tour mattered because it helped establish a pathway for other British punk bands to follow to America. By proving the transatlantic appeal of British punk, The Damned played a crucial role in creating the international punk scene that would influence music and culture for decades to come.