The Rockpit caught up with Rat Scabies of THE DAMNED ahead of their 2024 Australian Tour

Mark talks with Rat Scabies about THE DAMNED's groundbreaking career and how the band broke all the Punk Rock rules to become true originals.

[@erikreedy9397]

Having Rat back in The Damned is a wish come true!

[@DarrenJackson-ew5zt]

The Black Album defines the Damned for me. That album epitomises their ability to take the punk ethos and spirit into another direction. Some of the best songs they ever did were during this period. Can't wait to hear 'I believe the Impossible', 'Rabid', 'Therapy' and 'lively arts' once again. Started watching The Damned at Gillingham in 1980 supported by Anti Nowhere League. Whenever they were in London we always went.

[@jonathansteadman7935]

Ahh, I could never remember which band I saw with ANWL supporting and they got a rough reception. I saw the Damned 3 times , at Portsmouth around Black Album period, so for me, Vanian, Sensible, Grey and Rat were the line up that would leave my ears ringing the next day from the volume.

[@TheChadTI]

I'm so glad he's back.🤙

[@fraserb151]

The gig in Perth last night was brilliant! They just seem to get better with age. Was great meeting Rat before and after the show. The guy is a legend 👍

[@Afterglow-vn5lu]

The Ruts and the Damned at Dundee Caird hall 1980. That was a gig

[@0KT0BER]

Really didn't think Rat would play in The Damned again.

[@TheChadTI]

Such a welcome surprise.

[@Alansioux]

Great seeing Rat back in the band..you forget what a great drummer he is.

[@jaysmith3095]

Currently loving Strawberries the most? Dream come true…please create new material!

[@gruesometwosome6098]

What about Evil Spirits & Darkadelic. Or do you mean punk albums?

[@jaysmith3095]

@@gruesometwosome6098 I want them to make whatever they make. This revisited era of The Damned is by far my favorite, they ran out of tolerance, not ideas, when they last collaborated.

[@nikzane]

Just caught the Brissie show and it was killer! The lads still have incredible energy and are just fun to watch them interact on stage. Thanks for posting this interview! Enjoy the WA show!!! 🤘

[@danmckae1625]

Sydney last night too! Amazing ly good! Great to hear you had a good time at the Brisbane show 👍

[@danmckae1625]

Great show in Sydney last night! Seeing Rat Scabies play was a lifelong dream come true! Sad to hear this is their final Australian tour though, however last night's performance was a worthy final time for seeing them on these shores for this Damned tragic!

[@barryisland4674]

I used to be the drummer in a band and I thought I was Rat Scabies ,because he was what I thought a drummer should be ballistic loud and outrageous and most important great fun 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Afterglow-vn5lu]

On The German tv show, "What's your name.......RAT SCABIES" If you haven't seen it look it up. The damned Love song

[@apathyintheuk265]

"And who is zer blood group in zer corner"? Cue the pure pantomime pyrotechnics!

[@Nazz1967]

So cool cant wait for the syd show

[@Hugh_Bleffner]

Mr and Mrs Scabies chose an unusual name for their baby boy back in 1955

[@crowstar3775]

😂

[@Hensh11567]

Chris ?

[@barrysmith839]

When are the Sydney shows? Are they playing Newcastle? Live in the country now.

[@kevinadamson5768]

I think some things in life were meant to be and the Damned getting together was one of them. 😅

[@sgbh8874]

MGE.

[@davehoward22]

Glad hes back,he looked lost

[@theprogrammerrolandmc3039]

Being in a band now they expect you to send them your songs in files before even getting together my answer to them is you write a fucking song and send it to someone free for fuck all. I am anti recording now streaming distribution company paid me Less than £4 for 25.000 streams of my music it's over nostalgia is bullshit protest stop hoping for google adsense to pay your bills.

[@teresawarnke999]

Hey, we have been FB friends for a few years and I just learned of your occupation, lol. Tony Valdez (The Vomit) is our mutual friend. ✨🪄