Dave Vanian Interview from The Tiki Nightmare DVD

[GardnerGoldsmith]

Great stuff from Dave Vanian. The Damned are by far the best punk band of them all. Clash came close, but, of course, didn't stick with it. The vast appeal of the material of the Damned, as well as their smart, humorous and radical approach to life and public figures makes them stand above the others. Love that they've stayed slightly hungry, always creating. Go DAMNED!

[GilbertSyndrome]

@GardnerGoldsmith

Well the Clash were punk til the end, and they didn't stick to the rules.

[GardnerGoldsmith]

@GilbertSyndrome I wouldn't disagree with that, but I don't see why the rebellious approach of Clash and the rebellious approach of the Damned are mutually exclusive or even need to be compared at all. I've been pleased to see how The Damned have pushed themselves with new styles and interests, always infusing their music with power, meaning -- both personal and political -- and wicked humor. I like Dave Vanian's statement, "We just want to make the best music we can." Great stuff.

[GardnerGoldsmith]

@GilbertSyndrome And by the way, Gilbert, no major dispute here with you. The only reason I bring up the Clash is that in many music circles, I often hear from people compare them, or who say that the Clash are the best punk band of them all. I just disagree. The Clash produced some amazing music, I think that the music of the Damned over the same period gave me even more great songs. The Clash isn't overrated at all, just given a place of prominence that isn't necessarily justified. IMO.

[GilbertSyndrome]

@GardnerGoldsmith

I've always liked the Damned, but for me.. i just like the work ethic of the Clash, they weren't afraid to try new things, a lot of people turned on them when they didn't deliver another Sex Pistols style punk record, but i think Punk was about change, staying fresh and moving forward, i love the Damned but they were always the Damned, whereas the Clash could have been a different band each time. I wish the Clash were still here and i'm glad the Damned are.

[GardnerGoldsmith]

@GilbertSyndrome You make a really awesome point about the Clash. Really awesome... In fact, I never really considered it in that way, but you're absolutely right. The Clash DID have that power and ability to do things that were completely different each time. And by the way, it's nice to know there's a kindred spirit out there rooting on the Damned. I should mention to you that if you get a chance, check out the new disc by Killing Joke -- and Paul Weller's most recent two discs are amazing!

[JagrrrTV]

fab post. thanx from a true fan of dave and the damned!

[jungzanima73]

This is good. Thank you for posting it. I like what Dave says here about the band. Yes, at first I was quite taken by them and listening to them was like being slapped, punched, raped, shoved, spanked, and then left for dead, without any baby powder or vaseline. They were fast and scary and dangerous. I like how he describes The Damned as being a motorcycle that at first is sleek and new and then later torn down and then built up again. It's an interesting metaphor. Again, good interview.

[julieanddavid]

oooooo david