The Damned have unveiled a new single and video for their cover of Pink Floyd's 'See Emily Play', taken from their upcoming covers album 'Not Like Everybody Else'. The track serves as a tribute to their late founding guitarist Brian James, who passed away in March 2025. The album, marking a reunion in the studio after 40 years, is set for release on January 23, 2026.
Album Background
The Damned's 'Not Like Everybody Else' is a covers album dedicated to Brian James, who died on March 6, 2025. Every song was curated by the band as a homage to James and his influences. Recorded in just five days at Revolver Studio in Los Angeles, the sessions captured raw emotion and creative energy. This marks the first time drummer Rat Scabies has recorded with the band in 40 years.
The lineup features Dave Vanian on vocals, Captain Sensible on guitar and lead vocals for this track, Rat Scabies on drums, Paul Gray on bass, and longtime keyboardist Monty Oxymoron.
Single Details
'See Emily Play' reinterprets Pink Floyd's 1967 psychedelic classic with the band's punk energy and colorful visuals in the accompanying video. Sung by Captain Sensible, it blends vibrant reinterpretation with the original's kaleidoscopic spirit.
Tracklist and Release
The album tracklist includes:
- 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)
The closing track features a remixed live performance by James from his last show with the band at Hammersmith. 'Not Like Everybody Else' will be released on January 23, 2026, via earMUSIC, available in formats like CD digipak, black 180g LP gatefold, and limited rainbow sparkle LP.
Live Celebrations
To mark the release, The Damned will perform a one-off covers show at Albert Hall in Manchester on January 28, 2026, featuring album tracks and career-spanning covers. Early ticket access is available for pre-orders from the official store, which also offers exclusive 7” vinyl singles with unreleased B-sides.
The album ties into the band's 50th anniversary, commemorating their role in launching UK punk with 'New Rose' in 1976. A special anniversary show is planned for April 11, 2026, at OVO Arena Wembley, with guests including The Loveless featuring Marc Almond, Peter Hook And The Light, and The Courettes.