The Damned Announce ‘Not Like Everybody Else’ – A Tribute Album Honoring Brian James
Punk rock pioneers The Damned have unveiled plans for a new album, Not Like Everybody Else, a poignant and powerful homage to founding guitarist and principal songwriter Brian James, who passed away on March 6, 2025. The album is set to be a landmark release for the band, coinciding with their 50th anniversary celebrations.
A Sonic Tapestry of Influence: The Making of ‘Not Like Everybody Else’
Recorded in a remarkably swift five-day session at Revolver Studio in Los Angeles, Not Like Everybody Else features the core Damned lineup: Dave Vanian on vocals, Captain Sensible on guitar, Rat Scabies on drums, Paul Gray on bass, and longtime keyboardist Monty Oxymoron. Notably, this marks Rat Scabies’ first studio appearance with the band in four decades, a reunion that promises a unique energy to the proceedings.
The album’s concept is deeply rooted in James’ musical legacy. According to the band, each track was carefully selected because of its impact on Brian’s guitar playing, songwriting, and ultimately, the sound of The Damned. This isn’t simply a collection of covers; it’s a curated exploration of the influences that shaped a musical icon.
The first taste of the album, a compelling rendition of R. Dean Taylor’s “There’s A Ghost In My House,” arrived on October 30, offering a glimpse into the album’s raw and emotive character. A particularly moving inclusion is the band’s cover of The Rolling Stones’ “The Last Time,” featuring previously unreleased recordings of James himself from his final London performances with The Damned at Hammersmith Odeon in October 2022.
But what does it mean for a band with such a storied history to revisit the songs that inspired one of their founding members? Is this an act of remembrance, a creative re-imagining, or a little of both?
The release of Not Like Everybody Else is strategically aligned with The Damned’s 50th anniversary celebrations, kicking off with a unique covers show at Albert Hall, Manchester on January 28, 2026. The band will further commemorate this milestone with a special anniversary concert at OVO Arena Wembley on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
Did You Know? Brian James was a key architect of the UK punk scene, co-founding both The Damned and Brian James & The Rats.
Tracklisting: ‘Not Like Everybody Else’
Side A:
“There’s A Ghost In My House”
“Summer In The City”
“Making Time”
“Gimme Danger”
“See Emily Play”
Side B:
“I’m Not Like Everybody Else”
“Heart Full Of Soul”
“You Must Be A Witch”
“When I Was Young”
“The Last Time”
Frequently Asked Questions About ‘Not Like Everybody Else’
The Damned’s Not Like Everybody Else is more than just an album; it’s a testament to the enduring power of music, the bonds of creative collaboration, and a heartfelt tribute to a visionary artist. What impact will this album have on The Damned’s legacy, and how will it resonate with fans old and new?
Pro Tip: Explore the band’s official website for exclusive content, tour dates, and merchandise related to the 50th anniversary and the new album: https://www.thedamned.com/
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