Fangbase - Reviews

The Liquid Rooms - Edinburgh

26th November 2001

After a cracking set from local band Huckleberry (who endeared themselves to the crowd by referring to the Damned as "old c***s"), everyone's favourite punk legends hit the stage and ripped their way through "Democracy".

They played a few numbers from the new "Grave Disorder" album, including "Neverland" which was prefaced by a hilarious Michael Jackson joke from Captain Sensible.

Some of the audience seemed a bit unfamiliar with the new stuff, but I reckon it slotted in perfectly alongside the likes of "New Rose", "Eloise", "Plan 9, Channel 7", et al. As if all that wasn't enough, the Captain even entertained us by singing "Happy Talk"! You certainly don't get that with Paul Weller!

After an encore consisting of "Disco Man", "She", "Love Song" & "Smash It Up" (both parts, natch), they were gone into the night, leaving everyone counting the days until the Damned return to Edinburgh.

Lets hope it isn't another 17 months!!

kid banzai

Another...

ighty fine gig, 1st time I`d seen the old buggers outside England, needless to say the Scots are a bunch of mad fu*kers!

Mental crowd, very friendly, except for the arsehole who decided to attempt pushing to the front between me and Rancid T (impossible, we were jammed in like overweight sardines!) - he endind up nutting Tom. Luckily the bouncers were having none of this and dragged the wanker out in seconds - tosser!

As far as i remember the set list included Democracy, New Rose, Blackout, Song.com, Thrill Kill (finally realising the "wah waaaah" guitar noises are done by Monty!), Plan 9, an extended Neverland (including Capt`s "What do Burger King and Michael Jackson have in common? They both put 30 year old meat in between 10 year old buns!" quip), Amen, Eloise, Neat Neat Neat, Love Song, Absinthe and Smash it Up!

Being wedged right at the front has it`s disadvantages (bruised ribs and a stray spray of gob and beer has been with me since I starting following the Damned in `89), the advantages well outweighed that though - ie. a cracking view, fantastic sound and the chance to sing a line from Disco Man as well as doing the announcing shout of "Smash it up!!"

Good opportunity to hear the new stuff after the August launch, fits it very well and makes seeing this lot more and more pleasurable!

Maff2001