They are notable for being the first of the British punk bands to release a single, put out an album, and tour the United States. Their debut album, Damned Damned Damned, was released six months before The Sex Pistols' debut, Never Mind The Bollocks.
The Damned have dissolved and reformed many times, with singer Dave Vanian remaining the sole constant. They have incorporated many styles in their music, most notably garage rock, psychedelic music, the British theatrical rock of Screaming Lord Sutch and The Sensational Alex Harvey Band, and New Romantic.
In addition to serving as inspiration for many of the young bands who created hardcore punk in the US, The Damned are also generally regarded as one of the founders of goth music.
Original members Dave Vanian (David Lett), Captain Sensible (Raymond Burns), and Rat Scabies (Chris Millar) were all members of the semi-legendary Masters of the Backside which included future Pretenders frontwoman Chrissie Hynde.
Original guitarist Brian James (Brian Robertson) was a member of the early punk band London SS, a unit that never played live, but whose members later found fame in bands including The Clash and Generation X. Rat Scabies was also tried as the drummer for London SS, but was rejected.
Maintaining the goth connection, between 1996 and 2004 the bass guitarist of the Damned was one-time the Sisters of Mercy / the Sisterhood / Gun Club member Patricia Morrison. Morrison married Dave Vanian in 1996 but left the band after the birth of their daughter Emily. She originally joined the band after bassist Paul Grey was injured during a concert.
Discography:
Damned, Damned, Damned – February 25, 1977 (# 36)
Music For Pleasure – November 18, 1977
Machine Gun Etiquette – November 2, 1979 (# 31)
The Black Album – October 20, 1980 (# 29)
Strawberries – October 1, 1982 (# 15)
Phantasmagoria – July 15, 1985 (# 11)
Anything – December 5, 1986 (# 40)
Not of This Earth – November 11, 1995 (Retitled I'm Alright Jack & The Beanstalk in the UK, Germany and Sweden)
Grave Disorder – August 21, 2001
So, Who's Paranoid? – October 28, 2008
Evil Spirits – April 13, 2018
Darkadelic - April 28, 2023
Disco Man
The Damned Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Are you just a one night stand?
Have some fun jump the gun
But what's left when it's all done
But who are you taking for a ride
Disco Man
Better to run or else to hide
Disco Man
Tall and neat watch his feet
Got the jist he's all complete
Understand disco man's
Heading for the garbage can
Have you just crossed a bridge too far
Disco Man
Jump in a cab and steal a car
the worse in the land
Disco Man
one night stand
Disco Man
I can't understand
Disco Man
What are you doing
Your life's in a ruin
You're out of our head
You ought to be dead
Down the stairs no-one cares
He who wins is he who dares
Rock n Roll lose control
Just forget you're on the dole
But who are you taking for a ride
Disco Man
Better to run or else to hide
worst in the land
Disco Man
one night stand
Disco Man
I can't understand
Disco Man
Are you ready
Are you ready
For the disco man
The Damned's song "Disco Man" describes the singer's observation and cautionary tale of a disco man who is ready to take on any challenge and have a good time. The singer begins by asking the disco man if he is just a one night stand and questions what is left after all the fun is over. The singer recognizes the disco man's confidence but warns of the consequences of his actions. Throughout the song, the singer acknowledges the disco man's impressive dance moves and self-assured demeanor, but ultimately questions his motives and actions.
The lyrics of "Disco Man" illustrate the singer's concern for the disco man's life and well-being. The disco man is portrayed as reckless and possibly self-destructive as he is heading for the "garbage can" and his life is in ruins. The singer suggests that the disco man has gone too far and urges him to stop before it's too late. The last section of the song encourages the listeners to forget their troubles and enjoy the moment but with a subtle hint of caution, advising not to take things too far.
Line by Line Meaning
Take my hand disco man
Come with me, Disco Man.
Are you just a one night stand?
Are you only interested in a brief, casual encounter?
Have some fun jump the gun
Let's have a good time, take a chance.
But what's left when it's all done
What remains after the excitement is over?
But who are you taking for a ride
Who are you deceiving, manipulating?
Disco Man
The figure being addressed.
Better to run or else to hide
It's best to escape or conceal oneself to avoid trouble.
Tall and neat watch his feet
Observing his posture and movements.
Got the jist he's all complete
I understand the essence; he's impeccable.
Understand disco man's
Comprehend what the Disco Man is about.
Heading for the garbage can
Destined for failure, ruin.
Have you just crossed a bridge too far
Have you pushed too hard and gone too far?
Jump in a cab and steal a car
Escape any way you can, even if it's illegal.
the worse in the land
The most despicable person around.
I can't understand
I can't comprehend why you act this way.
What are you doing
What actions are you taking?
Your life's in a ruin
You've destroyed your own life.
You're out of our head
You're not in your right mind.
You ought to be dead
You're so messed up that you might as well be dead.
Down the stairs no-one cares
Descending the stairs without attracting any attention.
He who wins is he who dares
The person who is bold and takes risks comes out on top.
Rock n Roll lose control
Rock and roll music that makes you forget yourself and lose control.
Just forget you're on the dole
Ignore that you're unemployed and broke.
Are you ready
Are you prepared?
For the disco man
To participate in the Disco Man's lifestyle.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
PHILLIP GREER
For me Dave Vanian was one of the best vocalists of all time. I have sen him live many times and he stands the test.
Aiden Gowdy
PHILLIP GREER spot on there
d.thomas moore
WAS ???
Idol Threat Podcast
@d.thomas moore Right? I saw him 3 days ago better than ever!!!
David Brazier
Not wrong met him once nice man but very shy
J. Marinelli
He still is.
Flying Scotsman
Love the Damned brilliant band, really great EP this one
Flying Scotsman
Jeff Baker loved them back in the day Crass. Fuck the system.
TheMrFlitz
My fav band ever by far! my Dad got me into them when i was a kid, now I cant get enuf! seen em live a few times in the last couple of years. love it!!
Highland Laddie
Sublime 🎵 🙏