The Damned Unleash ‘Summer In The City’ Cover

January 20, 2026 rocknews

Punk legends The Damned have released their fiery reinterpretation of The Lovin’ Spoonful‘s classic “Summer In The City” – the last single previewing their upcoming covers album Not Like Everybody Else, out January 23, 2026 via earMUSIC.

With driving guitars, raw energy, and Dave Vanian’s unmistakable baritone, this version amps up the song’s gritty urban heat and restless pulse through The Damned’s signature lens – turning the ’60s sunshine hit into something darker, edgier, and unmistakably punk. Stream it now and feel the blistering five-day recording session at Revolver Studio in Los Angeles come alive.

The album is a heartfelt tribute to late founding guitarist Brian James (who passed in March 2025), curated from songs that influenced him and the band. It marks the first time in 40 years Rat Scabies returned to the studio with Dave Vanian (vocals), Captain Sensible (guitar), Paul Gray (bass), and Monty Oxymoron (keyboards). Every track is a personal nod to Brian’s legacy and the raw spirit that launched punk.

The album kicks off with R. Dean Taylor’s “There’s A Ghost In My House” and flows through gems like Pink Floyd’s “See Emily Play,” The Animals’ “When I Was Young,” The Creation’s “Making Time,” Iggy & The Stooges’ “Gimme Danger,” The Kinks’ “I’m Not Like Everybody Else,” The Yardbirds’ “Heart Full Of Soul,” The Lollipop Shoppe’s “You Must Be A Witch,” and closes powerfully with The Rolling Stones’ “The Last Time” – featuring Brian James himself from his final live shows with the band (including the last at O2 Academy Birmingham), remixed lovingly for this release.

Full ‘Not Like Everybody Else’ Tracklist

There’s A Ghost In My House (R. Dean Taylor)
Summer In The City (The Lovin’ Spoonful)
Making Time (The Creation)
Gimme Danger (Iggy & The Stooges)
See Emily Play (Pink Floyd)
I’m Not Like Everybody Else (The Kinks)
Heart Full Of Soul (The Yardbirds)
You Must Be A Witch (The Lollipop Shoppe)
When I Was Young (The Animals)
The Last Time (The Rolling Stones ft. Brian James)

Pre-save/pre-order now to lock in your copy – available in CD, vinyl, and digital formats.

One-Off Covers Shows: Celebrating the Album & Brian James

To mark the release, The Damned play special one-off covers sets featuring tracks from Not Like Everybody Else plus career-spanning fan favorites:

January 28, 2026 – Albert Hall, Manchester, UK
February 1, 2026 – Bataclan, Paris, France
February 3, 2026 – Essigfabrik, Cologne, Germany

These intimate nights honor Brian James and the band’s history – tickets on sale now via official channels.

50th Anniversary Celebration at OVO Arena Wembley

The Damned cap their milestone year with a massive 50th anniversary show on April 11, 2026 at OVO Arena Wembley, London. Marking five decades since punk’s 1976 explosion (and The Damned’s groundbreaking “New Rose” single and Damned Damned Damned album), this epic night features special guests The Loveless featuring Marc Almond, Peter Hook And The Light, and The Courettes.

Tickets available now – expect a career-spanning set blending punk classics, goth-rock anthems, and tributes to their enduring legacy.

The Damned’s Enduring Legacy

Formed in 1976, The Damned pioneered UK punk with the first single (“New Rose”) and album (Damned Damned Damned). Brian James’ songwriting defined their early sound before his 1977 departure after Music For Pleasure. The band evolved into goth-rock trailblazers with Dave Vanian’s haunting vocals and legendary live shows.

Not Like Everybody Else arrives amid 50 years of punk – a celebration of influences, friendship, and unbreakable spirit.

FAQs About The Damned’s ‘Summer In The City’ & ‘Not Like Everybody Else’

When does ‘Not Like Everybody Else’ release?

January 23, 2026 via earMUSIC. Pre-save/pre-order now.

What’s ‘Summer In The City’ like?

A raw, energetic punk twist on the Lovin’ Spoonful classic – driving guitars, gritty urban vibe, pure Damned attitude.

Where can I stream ‘Summer In The City’?

Available now on all platforms – link in official announcements.

What are the one-off covers shows dates?

Manchester (Albert Hall, Jan 28), Paris (Bataclan, Feb 1), Cologne (Essigfabrik, Feb 3) 2026. Tickets via official site.

When is the 50th anniversary Wembley show?

Saturday, April 11, 2026 at OVO Arena Wembley – with guests The Loveless ft. Marc Almond, Peter Hook And The Light, The Courettes.

The Damned prove punk never dies with this vibrant cover and tribute album. Stream “Summer In The City,” pre-order Not Like Everybody Else, snag tickets to the special shows, and celebrate 50 years of groundbreaking rock. See you in the pit!