The Damned – Albert Hall, Manchester – 26th January 2026
The Damned honour Manchester on their one-off covers tour that pays a tribute to their late guitarist, Brian James.
A DEEPER MEANING
The Damned return to Manchester’s Albert Hall comes with a deeper meaning than a standard tour. This run of shows is built around honouring Brian James who passed away March of last year, he was the band’s original guitarists and writer behind their earliest pieces of music. His influence has helped to shape the band’s DNA from the very beginning. The bands latest album Not Like Everybody Else released earlier this month was created as a tribute to him, this album only consists of covers. Recorded in five days, the covers were chosen to reflect the music that shaped Brian and the band.
With this not being a usual tour, inside Albert Hall there was a special buzz in the air, the crowd was warm and attentive, dancing to early punk songs we were all surrounded with growing up. Being able to hear these songs live from The Damned was nothing but special, hearing David Vanian’s voice in a space such as Albert Hall felt so electric.
NOSTALGIA ANYONE?
The excitement could be seen from the beginning of the set. There was something that came over the audience that night, either the nostalgia or seeing their favourite band once again no matter where you looked you could see everyone in their element. People were singing and dancing with their friends and family, throughout the ten song + seven song encore set.
What makes this tour and concert so special is that covers three cities only: Manchester, Paris and Cologne, each night feels more intimate as we were able to celebrate this once in a life time concert. The love and adoration for this band is seen through the crowd as they played popular generational songs.
What made the night special wasn’t just the performance but it was the people who came. Whilst walking around the venue before The Damned came on stage, I started talking to a few audience members, it became apparent very quickly that these were long-term fans. I was able to meet people who have been able to see them perform in the 80s or have been passed down the love of The Damned from their parents.
HONOURING THE LEGACY
As the crowds poured out of Albert Hall you can’t help but feel the energy and nostalgia lingering in the air as the band carries these famous Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones and many more covers as well as their own music for the future generation. The experience was all round sentimental allowing the audience members to a take trip down memory lane while honouring Brian James’ legacy.
The Damned: Website