The Damned

Pleasure Forever

@ The Galaxy Theatre, Santa Ana, CA 
9/28/01
Review By: Lu Lu 
Pictures By: Scott Wulfesteig

The Damned September 28^th  at the Galaxy theatre in the armpit of Costa Mesa. Opening bands were Pleasure Forever, and Swigging Utters. I have never seen the Galaxy so fucking packed in my, I still managed to squeeze threw at the bar to get a nice bottle beer, they didn’t even poor it into a plastic cup what luxury. There was even a wait to have a damn smoke on the patio. The crowd was fucking happening, just a good vibe all around.

             Pleasure Forever was first up. I only got to hear a couple of their last songs played, enough to tell you that they had a gothic, kind of deep eclectic vibe that almost trances you until the music stops. They played closely together making a superb sound. For a while it looked as if the band was being hypnotized by it’s own tune. The crowd looked absorbed and I knew then I was in for a treat the whole evening. Next time they play I will make sure I get to see the whole set. Then what seemed just minutes the music ended and it was time to grab another beer and have a quick smoke before Swingin Utters come on stage.

The Swingin Utters hit the stage with a bang. Loud throbbing music. This music definitely has got a cow-punk vibe to it; You could tell there is some influence of the Pogues. Some songs they played with a mandolin and an accordion while singer Johnny danced around enjoying the sound. Johnny rips it up with his vocals, strong and forceful. The guitarist plays intensely with some bad ass riffs. The band is incredibly active on stage, which makes it more exciting to watch. This is definitely good bar-thrashing drinking full of force fucking music. You must check these guys out next time there in Orange County. Music stops back to the bar for more beer and another smoke.

Now I have to say the Damned is one of my favorite bands. I was astounded when I heard they came out with a new CD called Grave Disorder, can I just say the CD has not yet left my stereo since it became exposed it’s fucking brilliant.

          Atlas the lights went down and The Damned appeared and music started to thunder away. Instantly the crowd was cramming as close as they could to be up front. Luckily I had a nice spot with my cocktail still in my hand J They opened up with Democracy, and they played old songs like Eloise. Dave was so fucking awesome on stage singing in that deep seductive voice of his, wearing a vampire-collared shirt looking very mysterious. The Captain was shredding it on the guitar. Patricia playing bass (from Sister’s of Mercy, Gun Club and the fabulous bags) fits in the band just nicely, Monty grooved away on his keyboard and Pinch bashed away at his drums they sounded so fucking fantastic. 

          I’m so glad this band is reunited. Playing tightly as ever, knowing what to expect from each you could tell this line up is going to last forever. If reason you have not experienced The Damned then you haven’t lived your life to it’s fullest. The crowd was going insane; a fight broke out in front of me some jackass being way to protective of his girlfriend. He even got pissed at her for slapping the Captains ass can you believe that shit, it’s the Captain for Christ sakes she aloud. This was making the evening even more memorable. I was sadden when I knew the end of the music was near I wanted them to play every song they have ever written but I knew deep down inside it just wasn’t going to happen. And then it happened the oncore and what better way to end with the Captain was wearing only a pink tutu! He hasn’t changed a bit, still looking sexy as ever Captain.

- Lu Lu

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