Punk pioneers The Damned are heading to Australia and New Zealand in September 2026 for what promises to be a career-defining run of shows.
Fifty years is a long time for any band to stay upright, and for The Damned, it’s also been fifty years of refusing to do things the easy way. Their Final Damnation tour, currently making its way around the world, is no different.
Formed in London in 1976, The Damned hold a specific place in music history. They released the UK’s first ever punk single, New Rose, and the first British punk album, Damned Damned Damned. The records that followed carved out territory across punk, goth and alternative rock that countless bands have been mining ever since. With Dave Vanian’s baritone, Captain Sensible’s guitar work, Rat Scabies behind the kit, they still sound as urgent as ever.
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The Damned tour dates
8 September: Powerstation, Auckland
10 September: Sydney Opera House, Sydney
11 September: The Tivoli, Brisbane
13 September: The Forum, Melbourne
The tour’s recent sold-out Wembley Arena show on April 11 was a clue to what’s coming. The 25-song set draws deep from a catalogue that includes New Rose, Neat Neat Neat, Love Song, Smash It Up and Eloise.
“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,” said Captain Sensible.
The Australian and New Zealand leg is built around a landmark show at the Sydney Opera House, a fitting venue for a farewell.
Rat Scabies sums it up: “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.”
Presale opens Wednesday 22 April at 9am local time. General public tickets go on sale Friday 24 April at 9am local time via thephoenix.au/the-damned-2026.
