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
Neverland
The Damned Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And all his funky records made us glad, glad, glad
But when I saw his face, yeah, I was sad, sad, sad
Wuith his only friend a chimp you know it's mad, mad, mad
Neverland, Neverland
Even when he's telling you that black is white
Just some fancy dancing you can stop a fight
What a man, a big hand
Nevcerland, Neverland
The cola king could sit and count the cost, cost, cost
Thinking about the childhood that he lost, lost, lost
You know he couldn't even give a toss, toss, toss
At least he marginally better than the boss, boss, boss
Neverland, Neverland
Even when he's telling you that black is white
Just some fancy dancing you can stop a fight
Grooving in the forest makes it al alright
What a man, give him a hand
Did you love his kingships daughter?
Did you cherish her and take her by the hand?
The papers say that it was all a put up show,
But I don't know, I don't know
Neverland, Neverland
Even when he's telling you that black is white
Just some fancy dancing you can stop a fight
Grooving in the forest makes it al alright
What a man, give him a hand
Neverland, Neverland
The Damned's song "Neverland" is a commentary on Michael Jackson's life and career, specifically referencing his infamous Neverland Ranch. The lyrics describe Jackson's contradictory behavior and his struggles with fame and childhood trauma. The song also suggests that Jackson used his music and dance as a means of coping with these issues.
The opening lyrics, "Michael used to tell us he was bad, bad, bad/And all his funky records made us glad, glad, glad" reference Jackson's early career as a child star, when he was known for his "bad boy" image and his groundbreaking music videos. However, the following line, "But when I saw his face, yeah, I was sad, sad, sad/With his only friend a chimp you know it's mad, mad, mad" reveals the darker side of his life and the isolation he likely felt from the rest of the world.
The chorus, "Even when he's telling you that black is white/Just some fancy dancing you can stop a fight/Grooving in the forest makes it all alright/What a man, a big hand/Neverland, Neverland" speaks to Jackson's reputation for eccentric behavior and his tendency to blur reality and fantasy. The reference to "grooving in the forest" also alludes to the dreamlike quality of Neverland, where Jackson created his own personal paradise away from the outside world.
Overall, "Neverland" is a complex portrayal of Michael Jackson, acknowledging his impact on music while also exploring the darker aspects of his life and the realities of celebrity culture.
Line by Line Meaning
Michael used to tell us he was bad, bad, bad
Michael Jackson used to present himself as a bad boy, but his music made his fans happy.
And all his funky records made us glad, glad, glad
His music was funky and entertaining, bringing joy to his fans.
But when I saw his face, yeah, I was sad, sad, sad
The singer felt sadness upon seeing Michael's face, possibly due to his physical and emotional changes.
With his only friend a chimp, you know it's mad, mad, mad
Michael's close companion was a chimpanzee, which was unusual and eccentric.
Neverland, Neverland
Referring to Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, symbolizing his own private world.
Even when he's telling you that black is white
Michael Jackson was known to make controversial statements but with his charisma, he was able to convince people easily.
Just some fancy dancing you can stop a fight
Michael Jackson's dance skills could even defuse conflicts.
Grooving in the forest makes it all alright
Michael Jackson found solace in nature and dancing, indicating that he needed to escape from reality.
What a man, a big hand, Neverland, Neverland
Acknowledging Michael Jackson's talent and his own world in Neverland Ranch.
The cola king could sit and count the cost, cost, cost
Pepsi, one of Michael Jackson's major sponsors, was referred to as 'cola king', to highlight the commercialization of his life.
Thinking about the childhood that he lost, lost, lost
Michael Jackson's childhood was lost due to fame, responsibilities, and abuse by his family.
You know he couldn't even give a toss, toss, toss
Michael Jackson became indifferent to the value of money, after experiencing overwhelming financial success.
At least he marginally better than the boss, boss, boss
Despite the costs of fame and commercialization, Michael Jackson was still viewed as better than his managers, but by a small margin.
Did you love his kingships daughter?
Referring to Michael Jackson's daughter Paris Jackson, questioning if people loved her as much as they loved her father.
Did you cherish her and take her by the hand?
Asking if people would protect and care for Paris Jackson, as they would for a young child.
The papers say that it was all a put up show, But I don't know, I don't know
Rumors of Michael Jackson's relationship with his daughter being a publicity stunt were circulating, but the songwriter was unsure of their validity.
Neverland, Neverland
Reiterating the concept of Michael Jackson's private world, where he could find peace and happiness.
Lyrics © MUSICA INTERNATIONAL INC
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DROP SOME BLUES = take some 3french blues3 pills -popular amphetamine and barbiturate drug since the '60's, see movie Quadrophenia