Fifty years deep and still kicking, The Damned are bringing their farewell run to Australia in September, marking what’s being framed as the final chapter for one of punk’s most unpredictable bands.
If the early signs are anything to go by, they’re not going quietly, fresh off a massive London show at Wembley Arena, The Damned are leaning hard into the idea that this run might genuinely be the end., reports from that performance paint it as something more than just another anniversary gig.
Two sets, 25 songs and a crowd that knew exactly what it was witnessing.
“This is the last time this lineup plays London,” one review noted (per press release), pointing to a weight that’s been missing from previous “final” tours, when ‘New Rose’ hit, it wasn’t just nostalgia. It landed like a full circle moment.
The Damned September 2026 Australian tour dates
The Damned Australian/New Zealand September 2026 dates
- Tuesday, September 8th – Auckland, Powerstation
- Thursday, September 10th – Sydney, The Opera House
- Friday, September 11th – Brisbane, The Tivoli
- Sunday, September 13th – Melbourne, The Forum
Pre-sale: Wednesday, April 22nd – 9:00am local
General sale: Friday, April 24th – 9:00am local
Details and tickets via The Phoenix AU.
Still pushing after 50 years
Formed in 1976, The Damned didn’t just ride the first wave of UK punk, they helped start it. ‘New Rose’ wasn’t just a debut single, it was the first official UK punk release, the album ‘Damned Damned Damned’ followed and cracked the door open for everything that came after.
Since then, they’ve twisted through punk, goth, and left field rock without settling:
“Half a century on and who’d have thought we would still be upright and breathing? We never thought we’d make it this far and neither did you! But here we are. a finely tuned engine. The Damned still has the power and finesse to excite, entertain and accelerate into our 50th year…” said Rat Scabies.
“With 50 years of catalogue to choose from, only the best songs from our chequered history will be performed – and with the passion and commitment all good music lovers deserve. You know we won’t disappoint…” added Captain Sensible.
The band will hit Australia as part of a wider anniversary run, anchored by a standout Sydney Opera House performance, and if Wembley was any indication, this tour is a proper send off.
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