A smashing good time with The Damned in Seattle

The Damned entertain the Seattle crowd. (All Cat Rose photos)

By Andy; Cat Rose photos

Can't stop 'em.

The Damned were the first UK punk band out of the gate to unleash a single and an album and they just might be the last blokes standing when punk -- and all of us -- finally bites the dust.

Singer Dave Vanian was standing tall and displaying his usual swagger despite nursing a wounded left arm, which took a hit during a recent gig. With appendage in a sling, the show must go on, and did it ever on Easter Sunday night at the Showbox in Seattle.

During the gig, I found myself transported back to certain times in my life that matched with songs that were brought forth during the 21-song set. I'm sure I was smiling and shaking my head when scenarios crept into my mind. Reliving the past Damned-style... and enjoying the present, of course.

The room was sold out and fans devoured each morsel that the ever-solid band tossed our way: We got the full spectrum of tunes, from raucous opener "Melody Lee" right on through to "Love Song," "Street of Dreams," "Eloise," "Wait for the Blackout," that initial single, "New Rose," and more, more, more. Vanian even sported Easter bunny ears for a bit during one of the encores, "White Rabbit."

As always, Captain Sensible was a man possessed with guitar wailing and slinging from side to side the entire gig. Can't slow this guy down or put a cork in his ever-flowing stream of humor. Maybe there's something vital under that red beret that keeps the energy buzzing through his body.

Keyboardist Monty Oxymoron, drummer Pinch and bassist Stu West kept things rolling on the eighth date of the band's 34-date North American 40th anniversary tour.

The Damned has a long way to go on this trek, but you know they'll destroy everything in their path along the way.

Here's Cat Rose's photos, plus shots of rockin' openers Bleached.

BLEACHED