The Damned

The Damned - OVO Arena Wembley - 11th April 2026

The OVO Arena Wembley is the largest venue I've visited so far with a huge production, three support acts and an eye watering £9.50 for a pint of lager.
For once, I wasn't feeling particularly adventurous. Instead of squeezing my way to the front, I was happy to take in the atmosphere and enjoy the show from afar,

The Courettes

Flavia Couri - Vocals, Guitar
Martin Couri - Drums, Backing Vocals

Unfortunately, I only caught the end of The Courettes' set. From what I did see and hear they fit the bill perfectly,

Peter Hook & The Light

Peter Hook - Bass, Vocals
Jack Bates - Bass
Paul Kehoe - Keyboards
David Potts - Guitar
Martin Rebelski - Drums

Although I never saw Joy Division or New Order live, their music, especially Joy Division has always been part of my collection

Peter Hook is the original bassist for both bands, and it was great hearing those classic tracks played live 'She's Lost Control', Transmission', and of course 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'.

The fact that it was played by one of the people who helped create them made the performance feel that little bit more special.

Marc Almond & The Loveless

Marc Almond - Vocals
Neal X - Guitar
Ben Ellis - Bass
Mat Hector - Drums
James Beaumont - Keyboards

I was never a huge Marc Almond fan, although Tainted Love with Soft Cell is undoubtedly one of the defining songs of the 1980s.

I was pleasantly surprised by the Loveless, really nice 60s garage/rock'n'roll sound (covers of 'Putty in Your Hands' and 'Hell Raiser' stood out). I shall definitely be checking them out.

The Damned

Dave Vanian - Vocals
Captain Sensible - Guitar
Rat Scabies - Drums
Paul Gray - Bass
Monty Oxymoron - Keyboards

This was the second time I'd seen The Damned, the first being at the Roundhouse in 2012 supported by The Dickies no less!
To think I once owned Banana Splits on yellow vinyl!

I'm not really sure what I was expecting but I was struck by just how accomplished they were - Behind all the humour and theatrics is a band of outstanding musicians.

Fifty years after they first exploded onto the scene, The Damned still know exactly how to put on a spectacular show. The sound and visuals were superb and even 'The Intermission' was entertaining, complete with the old Pearl & Dean jingle and a selection of nostalgic 1970s and 1980s television adverts playing on the big screens.

It was proof that growing older doesn't mean growing dull. The Damned remain as entertaining as ever.