The Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles hosted a night of punk rock history as The Damned reaffirmed their status as one the most influential bands of the genre and brought along T.V. Smiths’ The Adverts to join in on fun.
Together these veteran punk acts flashed the audience back to a different time.
In 1976 both bands were born in London, not knowing what roads lied ahead, they took their angst and their fury and channeled them into a new era of rock—punk. Alongside acts like the Sex Pistols and The Clash, they paved the way for those of us seeking refuge in a few power chords and raw vocal performances.
This event was part of a tour where T.V. Smith, the original frontman and songwriter for The Adverts, took the stage with a backing band of seasoned musicians, performed classic tracks from The Adverts’ seminal albums, “Crossing the Red Sea with The Adverts” and “Cast of Thousands,” marking his first U.S. tour dedicated to this material. Smith showed his devotion to the The Adverts’ catalogue with every line he sang out. It was evident that he enjoyed every moment stepping back to those early days on the streets of London.
The performance was a raw and energetic homage to The Adverts’ legacy, with Smith’s distinctive vocals and stage presence captivating both longtime fans and newcomers. Smith was elated to be on the road again and shared his excitement with audience and made sure comment that the night reminded him of the first tour he had ever done, because that tour was with The Damned.
The setlist featured a selection of The Adverts’ most influential songs, including “No Time to Be 21,” “Bored Teenagers,” “Gary Gilmore’s Eyes,” and “One Chord Wonders.”
These tracks, known for their incisive lyrics and punk ethos, resonated with the audience, many of whom sang along, creating a communal atmosphere that underscored the enduring relevance of the music.
Following T.V. Smith’s compelling performance, The Damned took the stage, delivering a set that was both a celebration of their punk roots and a showcase of their evolution over nearly five decades. Frontman Dave Vanian’s gothic charisma and Captain Sensible’s flamboyant guitar work were highlights, as the band performed classics like “Love Song,” “Machine Gun Etiquette,” and “Neat Neat Neat.”
Nearly 50 years into being a band and The Damned didn’t skip a beat. It’s been a minute since the original core3 group was together but strike up the band because the OG’s were back!
Lead singer Dave Vanian conducted the band through an impressive setlist of 23 songs as he traversed the stage in his signature undead look. His unique baritone voice echoed through the Wiltern in striking fashion with the audience clinging onto and singing back every lyric.
Captain Sensible cut through with his patented guitar sound doing what felt like the work of a lead and rhythm guitarist while adding his complimentary backing vocals to Vanian. Bassist Paul Gray, and drummer Rat Scabies provided a foundational rhythm section that had a distinct groove with an energy and chaos that made an impressive spectacle to witness.
It would be criminal to not mention the flavor that is Monty Oxymoron on keyboards and backing vocals; peppered throughout the set his contribution is what separates The Damned’s take on punk from their peers.
The Damned’s performance was marked by a blend of high-energy punk and theatrical flair, with the band’s tight musicianship and dynamic stage presence keeping the audience engaged throughout the night.
The inclusion of their cover of “White Rabbit” added a psychedelic dimension to the set, demonstrating the band’s versatility and willingness to explore beyond punk’s boundaries. That mentality to push the needle forward and be exploratory propelled them in the ‘70s and has cemented them as one of the most impactful bands of the genre.
The concert at The Wiltern was more than just a night of music; it was a celebration of punk history and its enduring impact. T.V. Smith’s Adverts provided a rare opportunity to experience The Adverts’ influential songs live, while The Damned’s performance reaffirmed their status as pioneers who continue to push the boundaries of the genre.
For attendees, the evening was a powerful reminder of punk’s rebellious spirit and its capacity to inspire and unite across generations. The latter sentiment being the most eye opening to witness as you could clearly see both bands’ ability to have an impact decades later.
There were fans of all ages and backgrounds in attendance dawning merchandise from both groups and battle jackets with their respective patches stitched in and showcased proudly.
The combination of T.V. Smith’s authentic revival and The Damned’s masterful showmanship made for an unforgettable experience that honored the past while embracing the present.
