Dave Vanian, The Damned Most people don’t appreciate that the Damned were the first and best British punk band. Yes, better than the Clash or the Pistols, and the first to put out a single, an album and to chance a trip to the States. This was taken during that initial tour and they were the hardest band in the world to shoot. Absolutely manic and unpredictable, especially Vanian. They hit the stage for this set in total darkness, the only light coming from the lit road-flare that he was waving around. One girl near me happened to get burnt – she swore she’d never go to another gig. Marvellous.