The Damned - Curtain Call - Live

Recorded from the tv show whatever you want 1983 and introduced by Rat Scabies.

[@TheJedgeworth]

I think its more than a bit of a masterpiece. Sometimes, when I'm lonely or discouraged at night, I play this. I will do my best to make sure this song is never lost.

[@johnhetherington5146]

That would be a shame, it's a classic.

[@sandraannlongfield6046]

Joyce I also play this when feeling low or lost ..its fuel to my soul and am back there in that audience eternally. .

[@joannegeoghegan3006]

First time I heard this song was from watching The Damned play live and it's become a favourite ever since then. They are such a great band to see live.

[@TheChadTI]

It transcends the rest of the catalog into some strange dimension where it exists on it's own. I'm in the I love it camp but I understand the other side. Well, maybe not understand but accept 😂

[@zzombiedeath]

If you like the Damned , you might like this band 'the blood , false gestures for a devious public '... a great all time punk rock super star album.. i realy like your comment ..i agree , that guy with the yello spikes is a fuckin great dude .you could tell how he feels about that song ..lol

[@honeymoonavenue97]

Dave is so beautiful and this song is incredible.

[@VampireLily616]

What a beautiful creature DV is.

[@philtonge7522]

Saw it on telly at the time and tried to audio record it on my ghetto blaster off the telly, which I have still and in the middle my dad walks in and whispers, "You can turn it up a bit if you like"...

[@_Ben4810]

I went on a school trip to the theatre the night this was shown on TV (Hobson's Choice with Trevor Bannister playing Will Mossop..!) so my mother video'd it for me...When I got back from the theatre, first thing I asked her "DID YOU RECORD IT...???" & I'll always remember her reply..."Yes, & you're gonna love it...!"

[@ofkmusik308]

One of the best band ever! And I realize I've been listening to them for so many years... never got bored, part of my life!

[@stephenwivverp5599]

Me too. I've been listening since 1977 and still put them at the top of the tree . All songs brilliantly written and sung better than anybody else could have done. 👍👍👍

[@Shikta-poobah67]

They’ve been my favorite band through thick and thin since right around the time this footage was recorded (1983). I was aware of them before then, knew the obvious songs like New Rose, Smash It Up, Neat Neat Neat, etc… but it wasn’t until I saw them for the first time, in June ‘83 that they went to a whole new level with me. That show literally changed my life, and cracked open my mind to so many different sounds. That night was when I realized just how fuckin’ close-minded a lot of so called ‘punks’ were. Anyway they’ve always remained at the top of my list, even through some rather questionable albums and lineup changes. I’m loyal. I’m also extremely pleased Rat’s finally back home.

[@stephanvenner2939]

When I want to relax sometimes after a long day at work I open me a beer, dim the light and listen to this masterpiece.

[@gregoryjug4586]

Majestic, inventive, sometimes slow song amidst a hardcore punk setting - a rich combination like oil and vinegar, and done in a way unique to The Damned.

[@johnjohnnyjohnson9987]

This was filmed at The Brixton Ace in 1982 for the Channel 4 programme Whatever You Want. Regrettably spitting was still a thing for punks back then although it was slowly fading out. A great performance by The Damned!!!

[@_Ben4810]

I know they also broadcast Stranger On The Town & Happy Talk but I wonder where the rest of this video'd gig currently sits...? In a forgotten warehouse, garden shed or landfill knowing The Damned's luck...😩

[@sniperwolf9278]

Rat scabies what a character, great fun. Pure pleasure see him at start of this clip introducing 'Curtain Call'. Rat was a fantastic Mad Drummer. "Spectacular character" just like Keith Moon,from the who. Gave us alot, 1976 to 90's. Was on all best albums. Thanks Mr Rat. Ta much . Should still be with band, Was 100% Damned .Strawberries time here. Class.

[@hankbukowski2240]

I think like u about Rat... cheers from Argentina! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻🇦🇷🇦🇷

[@rdouthwaite]

....aaand, he's back!

[@scottdavis0801]

I remember hearing Curtain Call for the 1st time in the late 80s. He's right it is a bit of a masterpiece!

[@infeedel7706]

Appeared on the double version of the Black Album and was in our heads at the beginning of that decade 🖖

[@darrenbaker2935]

One of the best songs ever written

[@stephenwivverp5599]

Definetly a masterpiece by the Damned. Bloody love it.👌👌👌💛

[@kilohertzstudio3429]

What an incredible historical document.

[@julosx]

No wonder why I cherish KZbin so much for so long.

[@miwdiva]

@@julosx I second your opinion!! So great to see again certain videos that many of us taped on VHS but lost.

[@cherylchaison5085]

He's. So beautiful

[@lostinnevermore5354]

Still here Dave. Since 1983! Still here and here I’ll stay 🖤💜🖤

[@kosmikcharlie6637]

Genius..still has the ability to move me after all these years.

[@MrJampot64]

When I bought the Black Album when if was first released , it got played till the needle of my record player wore out. In my mind one of the most creative albums ever made. I would have loved to have been there when they made this album to see the thinking behind those complex arrangements. The beginning to Mr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is just beautiful and Curtain Call is just breathtaking.They are still around today to play their amazing music because their fans never get tired of listening to it.

[@Limagris912]

the hottest man in rock history... great voice too...

[@danaalexander2654]

Hell Yes he was

[@jamesmartin6709]

I saw them on May 27, 1983 at a little club in Long Beach on Long Island. It was this line-up, probably on the same tour. We couldn't believe it when they played Curtain Call, a favorite at our late night parties.

[@Shikta-poobah67]

I saw them about a week after you did, at Numbers in Houston. It was my first time seeing them and their first time playing in Texas. I don’t know the exact date of this footage, and due to camera angles and lighting, I can’t really tell who’s playing bass here. If it’s Paul Gray then this would be no later than February ‘83. That was when he left The Damned and Bryn took his place. Either way, close enough. This is very much how I remember them looking and sounding. Absolutely stunning show. Everything changed for me that night.

[@rickykent4543]

"The snapping sound of someone's nerves" what a great line.

[@brian10ant]

An absolute classic of a song, and the first year I saw them live as a 15yr old.

[@mozart579]

I was at this gig at the Brixton ace. The week after was the dead Kennedy’s at the same venue which I went to. At 55 still my two most memorable gigs. Happy days indeed. 👍🏼

[@simplyphenomenal695]

How much were the tickets back then?

[@mozart579]

@@simplyphenomenal695 probably around £6

[@philipjones7372]

Less... Saw them and the LOTNC at Hammersmith Palais in June/July '83 for about £3.00.

[@GhibliFan1]

Confused punks spitting and stage diving to a goth masterpiece. LOL. Anyone watching, forget rooting around for your "I was there in 82" vague and ever dwindling memories... get out and go and see them. They're even better these days. One band who still create, don't rely on the classics, and absolutely kick arse on stage. 🖤

[@sandraannlongfield6046]

Dave Vanian you are a god xx totally blown away by this.Damned Damned Damned fantastic band love u all

[@elisedorazio]

Just saw them perform Curtain Call and Shadow of Love LIVE at The Belasco Theater! So good!

[@The000clash000]

One of the highlights of KZbin

[@LW1962]

This is a masterpiece. The black album. Curtain Call Live. The damned were there 1st. Miss my punk rock days back then.

[@MO-wz3mr]

Greatness. Vanian's dimples are EVERYTHING

[@TerryWalshDarkArtGen]

I fucking love that song.........

[@UltraKlutzJeff]

I've been watching a 5th generation copy of this for 15 years. Nice to see what it really looks like!

[@Shikta-poobah67]

Exactly! This is probably the only quality footage I’ve seen of them from the Strawberries era. Lots of dodgy footage during the early/mid 80’s. The age of betamax.

[@julieandgary]

love this song love this band and the singer is gawjus

[@cwiemann2]

The best part is that Dave continues his performance with continuous distractions! Damn Love IT! Best song ever!

[@iamlennii6791]

They had the worst stage security, clearly - and the worst stage invaders - Billy Idol and some other guy...

[@brrrainy5477]

I miss Rat He was a Fucking good Drummer.

[@Noodles37UK]

Study was Moon and i will defend Millar with a torch in one hand and a bottle of Scottish whisky in the other.

[@johnhetherington5146]

He was the best, just like keith moon. A privilege to watch him.

[@dfmn8650]

God they need him back badly. Pinch is a good drummer but his feel is so sterile and he simply lacks enthusiasm. Get Rat back!!!! You got Paul back! You’re almost there!

[@Shikta-poobah67]

Guess who’s back? 😁

[@timparsons8515]

The jem in the Crown. Pure bliss...

[@h.m.7218]

Machine Gun Etiquette, then the Black album, then Strawberries : evolving without losing the greatness.

[@Shikta-poobah67]

One of the greatest “trilogies”, ever… along with the first three Wire albums.

[@alanbrown8283]

I remember having this on VHS video Too long ago. Brilliant song, top band..

[@HomelessLemur]

listening to this baked is fucking amazing lads I swear down like X

[@jarrahdrum]

I watch this every now and again.. I would have seen this tour in Cardiff. Great time times

[@edsa1318]

An excellent version

[@user-hw2vq4xt3u]

just stumbled onto this...i remember this from the old grey whistle test or something...never thought id hear it again...thanks Merci

[@missfrosting]

What a beautiful, clean and lovely recording, Mercifulrelease! Love it!

[@laurentgriffon698]

Wow ! C'est fou ce que ce groupe peut faire avec si peu de moyens sur scènes. Là, franchement, c'est vraiment grandiose et Dave Vanian fait vraiment peur à voir sans avoir besoin de maquillages outrancier.

[@simonedwards5564]

FANTASTIC BRILLIANT BIKE SCABIES!!!!!!!! WIKID

[@sicks6six]

don't know if they still gigging, but they were one of the hardest working bands ever, gigging none stop for decades, when I seen them one time they got it right and were great, long versions that just kept going and going, must have been some good speed about that night,

[@Hutchie2112]

Fantastic song, used to love to listen to it on acid (in the olden days ofc)

[@NeonPegasus]

DV is the most beautiful man, he's got a kind of beauty I find absolutely mesmerising.

[@hoellenkatzlehensmarr6036]

Oh yeah! You are so right,Rat, curtain call is a masterpiece...and Dave vanian was sooo beautiful...!!! But the lizard sheds it's skin...(why oh why does time go by)?

[@arnolddalby5552]

Curtain call was a master piece from the Black album vinyl record, a double album actually. Curtain call should be played through a 100 watt amp with dual speakers and 12 band equaliser at near maximum volume as we did in the 1980's. Haha. You lot in the 21st century don't know what you missed and great time. haha.

[@morrisminor56]

1st saw them at the Bath pavilion in 81,bloody top band live.

[@wescooley34]

This my sending off song 😎

[@crowsbaneful]

Fantastic one of my faves and I still lust after Dave!

[@JordannHDx]

how cool is Dave ? FUCKN COOL

[@paulwainwright6010]

It's time to bring Rat back in 2020 for a 40th Anniversary Black Album Tour.

[@HavenHoward]

your wish came true! og band is back for a tour :)

[@Shikta-poobah67]

And now Rat’s back for good. The lineup that recorded the Black Album (plus one) is now the current lineup.

[@grahamneale9228]

Bit of a 'Kings of the Wild Frontier' move from Dave at 3'38"

[@gman8393]

Yes I had a bit of a chuckle at that, So True. 3 years ago a bit late for a reply I know.

[@yaderivera6497]

David Vanian looks so hot, He's a vampire

[@lindasmith6316]

@@thomasandersen6719 If you don't like it, scroll on.

[@MrRandsauce]

pimp

[@emen_98]

He's such a dreamboat

[@lauralewis5726]

I miss the shows I was fortunate enough to get invited to go and hang out with him, Captain and Patricia back in 2000 - 2001. We spoke for hours drinking and taking about anything but music! I still keep in touch with him and Patricia via email - and saw him albeit briefly about 20 years later. Such a lovely couple... I was in my late 20's and they were in their 40's. Seems like yesterday sometimes...

[@ealees]

Gigs were great then, late 70s and eatly 80s. Pity the spitting was still such a thing still then.

[@Shikta-poobah67]

I never could get into the spitting thing. It was fucking idiotic. I knew people who got hepatitis and conjunctivitis from that shit. I was glad it never really caught on much here in the states, though we did have that stupid shit going on from time to time.

[@allibakertattoo]

Amazing

[@gman8393]

Wow I have scrolled through the comments and not one person has said : it was a great gig I was there, with a few name drops. Different generation back then. Survival and kicks not glory. I really shouldn't comment when I drunk.

[@Nudiescorner]

You made an EXCELLENT point.

[@RavenburnX]

Just one hell of a song,,, possibly my fave by this superb band 🙌🏻

[@niemals9837]

Vanian was and is one of the best singer ever

[@TheCointreaux]

That Voice, that Body, that Face! OMG! I know he's married to Vampira ((no offense, to Patricia, just envy!)(wish I could have been her in this life!), but at least he's finally an Age Appropriate Crush for me! From worshipping a lot of dead old men, to being a total Cougar , I'm happy to worship a Punk/ Goth GOD, who's actually only a year younger than Mois!!!

[@crowsbaneful]

Betty Blackburn I totally identify with your words, Bela Lugosi, David Bowie and Dave Vanian were my first loves and still are!

[@allibakertattoo]

Just cause he's married doesn't mean he doesn't like complements, and I'm pretty sure he knows he's that hot...

[@TheCointreaux]

At my age, WTF? Cheers!

[@TheCointreaux]

Anyway, this song helped me get through that whole period when I was taking care of my mother as she was dying. So go ahead, Call Me Bloody Shallow!

[@blackmore4]

And from a male perspective... THAT jacket!! Haha.

[@janettemcmanus4699]

Awe definitely a masterpiece. Always been favourite of mine

[@The666damned]

one of the better versions of footage...thnx...

[@linferguson8702]

Best song they did….. love this video but there’s so many great songs ,. new rose, love song , smash it up, shadow of love, psycho mania, sanctum sanctorum… grimly fiendish ❤❤❤

[@nigetwelvetrees4019]

Great vintage Footage the clearest I think I have ever seen of this particular clip!! Excellent stuff Love this track The Damned were very much on Fire around this time.I'd Loved to of seen them at this period in their career. Thanks for posting.

[@macthedrummer1]

There should be a lot more side views of Rat. Brilliant.

[@cmouse_2]

Joyce they are still touring regularly so if you find yourself in the UK look them up chances are they'll be playing somewhere :-) Still fantastic live too.

[@kimdickson4602]

Love David

[@celticwarrior1365]

Sorry Pinch but there'll never be another Rat Scabies! The Damned's loss is someone else's gain.

[@johnhetherington5146]

He mite have mice one day. He could have had rats back in the day but he's over the hill now. God bless him.

[@cormac]

Scabies over the hill? Not a hope. Check out the Mutants, Professor and the Madman or One Thousand Motels. Far from over the hill is Ratty

[@Shikta-poobah67]

@@cormacAnd now he’s back home in The Damned. Just wanted to drop in and say that Professor & The Madman was (still is?) fucking great! I couldn’t get enough of them.

[@cormac]

The Sinclairs are great too - Scabies has his hand in everywhere@@Shikta-poobah67

[@wallyudovic9495]

Smash it up.

[@cherylchaison5085]

This song is absolutely gorgeous unbelievable they were spitting at him because the crowd felt it wasn't punk enough

[@zagazoo300]

No that’s not correct, they were spitting at him because they liked it!

[@NFM1337]

@@zagazoo300 And they themselves invented gobbing, right?

[@zagazoo300]

@@NFM1337 nah I think that was Malcolm from distant recollection

[@johnhetherington8922]

So you were there were you?

[@Shikta-poobah67]

Yeah spitting was a sign of appreciation, as dumb as that was. ‘82 was a bit late for it, but I guess it was still a thing even then. I’ve seen kids try to bring it back in later years, and fortunately it never takes.

[@johnhetherington8922]

Dave Vanian and his backing band "the fuck-wits". Excellent.

[@giablo69]

Incredible ! Thank you for sharing !!

[@cwiemann2]

MY FAVORITE!

[@Cityofmud]

This song saved my life

[@Shikta-poobah67]

Their song “Life Goes On” did the exact same for me one very intense night in November 1992.

[@linferguson8702]

Love this song so much ❤

[@hettyawen4289]

Beautiful

[@TheChadTI]

Thanks for posting, this is amazing footage and a great live version of the song. They usually do this well.

[@rafff3462]

Great song! Absolutely beautiful

[@paulbarron7389]

beautiful piece of music

[@micmacmoc]

superb

[@AliZum1]

Great band and great sound on here too xx

[@dsolid]

Flawless.

[@Shikta-poobah67]

All except for the gobbing.

[@hypnoswede7943]

Just got into this band - wow, cool. A little Jim Morrisonet there.

[@wattiemc]

Great !!!

[@mummyd1990]

One of my all time fave song's,loved these hands from machine gun etiquette just fantastic music.

[@kimdickson4602]

Love them

[@andromedapersea4792]

So Magic ans sépulcrale musique !..Dave vert joint ans beautiful face !!!

[@wabberjacky9951]

What a different time !

[@Shikta-poobah67]

Don’t miss the gobbing one bit.

[@Shikta-poobah67]

Wow, it’s incredibly rare to find decent, clear footage from the Strawberries era. It was the era of beta and VHS handheld cameras (ie. short shelf life). Most of what you see from that time on YT (that wasn’t professionally filmed with state of the art technology) is blurry, garbled, and out of sync. This is a breath of fresh air. This was right around the time I saw them for the first time, maybe a bit earlier actually (I saw them in June ‘83). Bryn was on bass, brand new addition. Anyway this takes me back. This is how I remember them looking and sounding. That show was a very pivotal moment in my life. They became my favorite band in the world that night, and have remained so through thick and thin ever since. Thank you for this upload.

[@joolzhillman4385]

The Damned at their best 💚💜

[@wescooley34]

Saw the damned on the black album tour in edinburgh i play this regular a pure masterpiece and no credit for it !!!

[@honourethefire5794]

they had some great bands play for this tv series at Brixton Ace apart from the Damned - the Meteors / Killing Joke / anwl etc etc

[@gustavnovak]

AAAH MAJESTIC !

[@kpec3]

I'm soon going to see them in Cincinnati, Ohio. Can't wait!

[@sophiebrown7365]

luv to meet him his luvly :)

[@TheJedgeworth]

Vanian is sexier than Elvis, his band is hot. The chances of any member of the Damned that I will ever get to shake any of their hands, is well a little damned. Oh well, at least I bought their music in 1995 and got to see them for free KZbin. But nothing compared to discovering "Curtain Call" in my 68 Emerald Mustang at 85 mpg. Thanks, Gentlemen, for your musical integrity, whatever the condition of your other integrities.

[@Formula-602]

Dave high fived me as he jumped off the stage here once..

[@lauralewis5726]

They were a lot of fun to hang out with backstage - like I was lucky enough to do back in 2000 - 2001. Got lucky enough to keep in touch with Patricia over the years via email and there's a photo of us on his "With Fans" page on his Facebook... I miss the mayhem and the booze! I wish everyone who wanted to really get to meet them could - they do have the meet and greet's now - but thanks to this fucked up virus - who knows when any concerts will resume. Soon, I hope...

[@Shikta-poobah67]

They were always very approachable and easy to talk to at every gig of theirs I went to, except for this one big outdoor festival in 2002. Some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet. Especially Vanian.

[@zellah]

Happy 61st Birthday, Mr Lett!

[@bunwi]

I think this was filmed at Brixton Academy for Channel 4's show 'Whatever you want', I remember watching as it aired back in the day. Probably the very first year of Channel 4 (remember they didn't have enough advertisers and had to fill out their ad. breaks with swirly patterns). Other episodes of the show also had footage of the Dead Kennedys, Killing Joke, and other indie and punk bands around at that time.

[@johnhetherington8922]

Maybe it's better if you don't think.

[@bunwi]

@@johnhetherington8922 thanks mate, very nice! Never stop thinking!

[@Jimmybarth]

Epic

[@bastounet36]

Brillant