The Damned announce Clitheroe Grand show

The band, who as well as being punk groundbreakers, also helped to lay the template for the gothic rock genre, arrive at the York Street venue on Thursday August 8.

Formed in London in 1976, they were celebrated as the first British punk band to release a single, after putting out classic New Rose on Stiff Records in 1976.

Dissolved and reformed many times, Vanian is the sole constant member but lineups have always included either guitarist Captain Sensible or drummer Rat Scabies, both founding members - or both!

With the current line up of Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, Monty Oxymoron and friends, it’s the Damned’s first ever visit by to the theatre.

Their beret-wearing guitarist Captain Sensible – who had his own brief chart-topping solo career with hit song Happy Talk, welcomed the announcement.

He said: “This is fantastic news – we are going to make it a special night at Clitheroe.

“We played Blackburn many years ago, but this is a first for The Damned in the beautiful, charming, Ribble Valley.”

Tickets are now on sale for the show, priced at £20, available from the Grand’s box office on 01200 421599.