The storied career of seminal British punk band The Damned is coming to the big screen. When the band kicks off its 35th anniversary tour this month in Boston, they will be shadowed by New York-based filmmaker Wes Orshoski, who is directing/producing a feature-length documentary on the group.
The as-yet-untitled-film, to be a production of Orshoski’s Three Count Films, will combine new footage captured on and off the road with the current band members-including Damned founders David Vanian (vocals) and guitarist Captain Sensible-with archival clips and new interviews with many of the band’s famous friends and peers.
“I’m incredibly honored to be working with a band who I feel has registered as an immeasurable impact on artists from across the musical spectrum,” says Orshoski, who recently co-directed/produced the critically acclaimed documentary on Motörhead’s Lemmy. “I feel like the Damned’s story and the scope of the band’s influence has gone largely unnoticed by the masses, especially in America. And I’m hoping my film will help right that wrong.”
Orshoski is asking longtime fans of the band who may be in possession of vintage video and photos (as well as rare handbills, posters and/or magazine articles) to email him at: [email protected]
The Damned, featuring Vanian, Sensible, drummer Pinch, bassist Stu West and keyboardist Monty Oxy Moron, kicks off its 35th anniversary tour October 20 at Middle East in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The band is marking the anniversary by playing both its 1977 debut album, ‘Damned Damned Damned,’ and 1980’s ‘The Black Album’ in their entirety on the upcoming tour, which launches in the UK on November 9 in Bristol (O2 Academy). The 35th Anniversary tour goes to Australia and Japan in 2012.
Come celebrate The Damned’s 35th birthday at the following dates.
NOVEMBER
9 – Bristol, O2 Academy
10 – Birmingham, O2 Academy
11 – Cambridge, Corn Exchange
12 – London, Roundhouse
13 – Brighton, East Wing
14 – Norwich, UEA
15 – Nottingham, Rock City
17 – Newcastle, O2 Academy
18 – Leeds, O2 Academy
19 – Manchester, Academy
20 – Edinburgh, HMV Picture House
For more information visit the official The Damned website.
