The Damned: Don't You Wish That We Were Dead

Director Wes Orshoski uses the Damned's 35th anniversary tour in 2011 as a framing device to recount the group's tumultuous history. Drummer Chris Millar (aka Rat Scabies) and bassist Ray Burns (aka Captain Sensible) met while cleaning bathrooms in the same London concert hall. Once they joined forces with singer Dave Vanian and guitarist Brian James, the first incarnation of the band was complete. Although they emerged at the same time as the Sex Pistols and the Clash, they were the first to release a record. Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders notes that the Damned could actually play their instruments, while Clem Burke and Chris Stein of Blondie praise their live shows, where anything could happen. Their debut, 1977's Damned Damned Damned, caused a sensation, but there were already signs of trouble since Burns and Vanian liked to play pranks, while James, who wrote most of the material, found that sort of thing childish. After their second album, Music for Pleasure, James left, so Burns switched to guitar. The conveyor belt of bass players didn't dent their popularity, but due to royalty disputes, Burns and Vanian are the only original members left. Miller and James have been playing concerts together, but the twain may never meet again. Orshoski also incorporates comments from famous fans who debate whether the move from punk to pop and goth was a good idea or not. Extras include extended interviews, mostly with the ever-voluble Burns. Recommended. (K. Fennessy)