The Damned Turn Back the Clock at Montreal’s Théâtre Beanfield [Photos]

After getting into the concert photography business late, there is a list of several bands that I thought I might never get the chance to shoot. The Damned ended up performing at the Théâtre Beanfield in Montreal, and I got to remove that name from my list. The first of those legendary late ’70s punk rock bands out of London doesn’t make their way here very often. I don’t think it’s possible to measure just how happy I was to be able to photograph them.

The names of Dave Vanian, Brian James, Captain Sensible, and Rat Scabies are written in punk rock lore. Sadly, guitarist Brian James passed away earlier this year. The rest of The Damned are still out there and tearing up joints on both sides of the Atlantic. This most recent tour was close to wrapping up when they hit the stage in Montreal.

The evening got off on a bit of a sour note as the lights were due to go down. It was announced that our opening band, The Bellrays, were unable to be there. Being a good soldier, a member of The Damned’s management group hit the stage to give us a DJ set of some punk rock tunes. It might not have had the energy of a live band, but the crowd totally appreciated the effort that was given.

Up next, The Damned hit the stage. Dave Vanian, still punk rock’s most dapper singer, was in great form. Vampires don’t like the sunlight, but this one shone under the Beanfield spotlights. Captain Sensible, being the eternal punk that he is, hawked a giant loogie onto the stage as the band roared to life for “Love Song.” He spent the rest of the night with a giant troublemaker grin on his face.

Captain Sensible also made the night of one of my fellow photographers. He went home with a pick. Personally handed to him by the Captain as we left the pit. “Wait For The Blackout” brought down the house, and the rest of their set consisted of their biggest hits.

Their heyday may have been almost 50 years ago, but this crowd held many different generations. From grey-haired rockers in their leather jackets, to a young fan in the front row. He had a sign saying that he had been there as a baby in 2017. Dave took the sign and placed it next to the drum kit, where it remained for the rest of the show.

This tour has come to an end, but hopefully these youthful 70-year-olds will be back on the road again soon for any of you still waiting to cross The Damned off of your live bucket list.

The Damned @ Theatre Beanfield (Montreal, QC) on September 24th, 2025

30 photos