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The Damned Things
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The Damned Things were an American rock supergroup most recently consisting of Fall Out Boy's Joe Trohman and Andy Hurley, Anthrax's Scott Ian, Every Time I Die's Keith Buckley, and Alkaline Trio's Dan Andriano.[2] The band's name is inspired by the lyrics in Ram Jam's 1977 version of "Black Betty".[3][4]
Key Information
History
[edit]In 2008, Joe Trohman and Scott Ian met and began writing music together, while Ian was on a break from making music with Anthrax.[5] They invited Keith Buckley, Rob Caggiano and Andy Hurley to join the burgeoning project the following year.[5] The band eventually played its first show at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, New York, on June 1, 2010, and their first UK show in London at Heaven on June 10.[4][6] They also played on the second stage at the Download Festival on June 13, 2010, and on the Helvíti stage at the Copenhell Festival on June 12, 2010.[7] The first single, "We've Got a Situation Here", was released on iTunes on October 25, 2010. The songs "Ironiclast" and "We've Got a Situation Here" were released together as a 7" vinyl and CD single on November 26, 2010, through Metal Club stores. On October 21, 2010, the band released the song "Friday Night (Going Down In Flames)" via their Facebook and Myspace, as well as their first album's artwork.[8]

On November 29, 2010, the band released the song "Little Darling" for free streaming through AbsolutePunk.net.[9] The band's first album, Ironiclast was released on December 14, 2010, through Island Records.[10] Trohman has mentioned that for the album, the band was aiming for a blues- and riff-oriented heavy/classic rock sound, and combining elements from their own bands, going for a traditional hard rock sound combined with the heavier aspects of Anthrax and Every Time I Die and the hook-laden choruses of Fall Out Boy.[11] Trohman has mentioned such bands as Thin Lizzy and Led Zeppelin as having influences on the record.[12] In an interview in December 2010, Trohman confirmed that Josh Newton (formerly of Every Time I Die and From Autumn to Ashes) had joined the band as a full-time bass guitarist.[13]
In 2011, the band played the Download Festival and Hellfest 2011,[14] and released a second single, "Friday Night (Going Down In Flames)".[15] They were scheduled to also play the Australian Soundwave Revolution festival in September–October 2011, but the festival was cancelled and in its place the band played on the Australian Counter-Revolution mini-festival.
A previously unreleased song by the band, "Trophy Widow", was released on the soundtrack of the video game Batman: Arkham City on October 4, 2011, while the game was released two weeks later, on October 18.
In August 2018, during his co-host duties on the Wall of Sound: Up Against The Wall podcast, Scott Ian confirmed new music was on the way after stating "we're all friends and we're all in contact with each other on a regular basis, and I can say that there is, possibly, a record, but that's all I'm gonna say about it."[16]
The band announced they would be playing the Welcome To Rockville festival in May 2019.[17]
On February 20, 2019, the band posted a new lineup photo on their social media pages, which included Alkaline Trio's Dan Andriano in place of Rob Caggiano and Josh Newton.[18] On February 21, the band released the first single from their forthcoming album High Crimes called "Cells".[19] The band released their second album High Crimes on April 26, 2019, through Nuclear Blast.[20] Loudwire later named it one of the 50 best rock albums of 2019.[21] The band played their final show to date on December 13, 2019, at Every Time I Die's annual mini-festival 'Tid The Season.[22]
Band members
[edit]Final line-up
[edit]- Keith Buckley – lead vocals (2009–2012, 2016–2019)
- Joe Trohman – lead guitar, backing vocals (2009–2012, 2016–2019), rhythm guitar (2010–2012)
- Scott Ian – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2009–2012, 2016–2019)
- Andy Hurley – drums (2009–2012, 2016–2019)
- Dan Andriano – bass, backing vocals (2019)
Former members
[edit]- Rob Caggiano – lead guitar (2010–2012), backing vocals (2009–2012), bass (2009–2010)
- Josh Newton – bass (2010–2012, 2016-2019)
Timeline
[edit]
Discography
[edit]- Studio albums
| Year | Album details | Peak chart positions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US Heat.[23] |
US Rock[23] |
US Hard Rock[23] | ||
| 2010 | Ironiclast | – | 1 | 32 | 10 |
| 2019 | High Crimes
|
– | 6 | – | – |
- Singles
| Year | Title | Peak Positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Main. | |||
| 2010 | "We've Got a Situation Here" | 25 | Ironiclast |
| 2011 | "Friday Night (Going Down in Flames)" | – | |
| 2019 | "Cells" | – | High Crimes |
| "Something Good" | – |
- Music videos
| Year | Song | Album | Director(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | "We've Got a Situation Here" | Ironiclast | Brendon Small |
| 2019 | "Cells" | High Crimes | Brandon Dermer |
| "Something Good" | Kris Baldwin |
References
[edit]- ^ "Supergroup The Damned Things (Fall Out Boy, Every Time I Die, Anthrax) have recorded a new EP". Alternate Press. December 12, 2016. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
- ^ "Fall Out Boy, Anthrax Merge: Meet the Damned Things". Rolling Stone. June 22, 2010. Archived from the original on June 26, 2010. Retrieved October 22, 2010.
- ^ "Every Time I Die Bassist Joins The Damned Things". Blabbermouth.net. June 1, 2010. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
- ^ a b "The Damned Things bio". Jambase.com. Retrieved November 8, 2010.
- ^ a b "Scott Ian: Anthrax's Singer Issues Paved the Way for the Damned Things". Noisecreep.com. September 30, 2010. Retrieved November 8, 2010.
- ^ Terry Bezer (April 7, 2010). "The Damned Things Announce London Show". Metal Hammer. Future Publishing Limited. Archived from the original on April 14, 2010.
- ^ "THE DAMNED THINGS To Make Its Live Debut In Brooklyn". Blabbermouth.net. May 2, 2010. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
- ^ "The Damned Things post new song". October 21, 2010. Retrieved October 21, 2010.
- ^ "THE DAMNED THINGS To Make Its Live Debut In Brooklyn". Archived from the original on July 19, 2012.
- ^ "The Damned Things homepage". Archived from the original on December 25, 2010. Retrieved October 13, 2010.
- ^ "THE DAMNED THINGS: 'Ironiclast' Cover Artwork Unveiled". Blabbermouth.net. October 21, 2010. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
- ^ "Trohman Births The Damned Things". Fender.com. Archived from the original on March 24, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2010.
- ^ "Interview with Josh Trohman on UltimateGuitar.com". Archived from the original on December 14, 2010. Retrieved December 12, 2010.
- ^ "Hellfest Artists". Archived from the original on May 13, 2011.[better source needed]
- ^ "Nu Rock Traxx, May 2011, Vol 146". DJ Tunes. ERG Music.
- ^ Brown, Paul (August 20, 2018). "Wall of Sound: Up Against The Wall Episode #51 feat. Adam Kiefel of PurEnvy is OUT NOW". Wall of Sound. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
- ^ "The Damned Things Are Back And Have Announced A Show". Rock Sound Magazine. December 4, 2018. Retrieved February 23, 2019.
- ^ brownypaul (February 21, 2019). "We've Got A Situation Here: The Damned Things are baaacckkk!!!". Wall Of Sound. Retrieved February 21, 2019.
- ^ brownypaul (February 22, 2019). "The Damned Things unveiled their hilarious music video for 'Cells'". Wall Of Sound. Retrieved February 22, 2019.
- ^ "The Damned Things". The Damned Things. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
- ^ "The 50 Best Rock Albums of 2019". Loudwire. Townsquare Media. December 5, 2019. Retrieved March 7, 2021.
- ^ Matasci, Matt (August 19, 2019). "Every Time I Die Announces 2019 TID The Season Festival Lineup Featuring Against Me!, The Damned Things and Cave In". Mxdwn. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
- ^ a b c "The Damned Things Album & Song Chart History". Billboard. Retrieved March 24, 2012.
External links
[edit]The Damned Things
View on GrokipediaHistory
Formation and Ironiclast (2009–2012)
The Damned Things formed in 2009 as a supergroup when Fall Out Boy guitarist Joe Trohman and Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian met through a mutual friend during a casual encounter and began jamming together, seeking to explore a shared interest in classic rock and heavy riffs beyond their primary bands.[6] Recognizing the potential, they quickly assembled a lineup by recruiting vocalist Keith Buckley and bassist Josh Newton from Every Time I Die for their dynamic, irreverent delivery; drummer Andy Hurley from Fall Out Boy to provide a solid rhythmic foundation; and guitarist Rob Caggiano from Anthrax to add thrash-infused leads.[7][8] This all-star configuration emphasized collaboration, allowing each member to contribute song ideas rooted in their respective punk, metal, and hardcore influences. Alkaline Trio bassist Dan Andriano would join later. Recording for the band's debut album, Ironiclast, commenced in late 2009 at Metrosonic Studios in Brooklyn, New York, and Electric Lady Studios in New York City, produced by Rob Caggiano and Joe Trohman, and mixed by Nick Raskulinecz.[9] The sessions, which wrapped by mid-2010, centered on a democratic songwriting process where riffs from Trohman and Ian served as starting points, layered with Buckley's lyrical edge and the rhythm section's groove-oriented arrangements to create a cohesive blend of hard rock anthems.[10] Raskulinecz's mixing highlighted raw energy and guitar interplay, resulting in a 39-minute collection of 12 tracks that captured the band's spontaneous chemistry without overpolishing their aggressive sound. Ironiclast was released internationally on December 14, 2010, via Mercury Records, with the North American edition following the next day.[11] Standout tracks included the riff-driven "A Dangerous Myth," which showcased dual guitar harmonies, and the high-octane closer "Luchador," blending punk urgency with metal crunch. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart and sold approximately 6,200 copies in its first week in the United States, establishing modest commercial footing for the supergroup.[10] Prior to the full release, the band issued the promotional single "We've Got A Situation Here" on October 5, 2010, which previewed the album's infectious hooks and helped generate early buzz through radio play and digital streams.[12] The Damned Things marked their live debut on June 1, 2010, at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn, New York, delivering a tight set of new material to an enthusiastic hometown crowd.[13] This was followed shortly by their first international performance on June 10 at The Borderline in London, expanding their reach overseas.[14] Throughout late 2010 and into 2011, the band undertook headlining club tours across North America and Europe, including dates in support of established acts, which allowed them to refine their stage presence and cultivate a niche fanbase drawn to the supergroup's high-energy shows and cross-genre appeal.[15] These efforts solidified their reputation as a potent live act before commitments to their main bands led to a hiatus by 2012.Hiatus and reformation (2013–2019)
Following the release of their debut album Ironiclast in 2010 and the completion of its supporting tour in 2011, The Damned Things entered an extended hiatus as band members prioritized commitments with their primary groups, including Anthrax's ongoing tours, Fall Out Boy's return from their own break, and Every Time I Die's schedule.[16] The supergroup remained intact without formally disbanding, though activity ceased entirely, with no live performances occurring between 2011 and 2018.[17] By late 2016, signs of revival emerged when the band announced via social media that they were in the studio working on material for a new EP, confirming the core lineup's intent to reconvene.[18] Guitarist Scott Ian later reflected that the group had always viewed the pause as temporary, driven by a sense of unfinished business from their initial run.[19] Reformation gained momentum around 2017, sparked by guitarist Joe Trohman's demos originally intended for another project, which the members adapted into new Damned Things songs during informal sessions.[16] Persistent scheduling conflicts with members' main bands continued to pose challenges, delaying full pre-production and rehearsals.[16] In February 2019, the band officially confirmed their return with an updated lineup for the second album: Fall Out Boy's Joe Trohman and Andy Hurley, Anthrax's Scott Ian, Every Time I Die's Keith Buckley, and Alkaline Trio's Dan Andriano on bass, replacing original bassist Josh Newton and excluding guitarist Rob Caggiano.[20] This shift maintained the group's dual-guitar foundation through Trohman and Ian while streamlining the rhythm section. As a precursor to the album, they released the single "Something Good" in March 2019, which showcased a continued blend of hard rock energy and melodic hooks, hinting at the project's stylistic direction.[21]High Crimes and subsequent activities (2020–present)
The Damned Things reconvened in 2018 to record their second studio album, High Crimes, at studios including The Barn in Ojai, California, with production credited to the band and Jay Ruston. The sessions emphasized heavier guitar riffs and more developed song structures, reflecting the members' evolved songwriting from their respective main bands. Released on April 26, 2019, via Nuclear Blast Records, the album marked the supergroup's return after an eight-year hiatus.[22][23] The album's tracklist comprises ten songs: "Cells", "Something Good", "Invincible", "Omen", "Carry a Brick", "Storm Catcher", "Young Hearts", "Keep Crawling", "Let Me Be (Your Girl)", and "The Fire Is Cold". Lead singles "Cells" (February 21, 2019), "Omen", and "Something Good" garnered attention through music videos and radio play, contributing to the album's moderate commercial success, including a peak position of No. 2 on the UK Rock & Metal Albums Chart.[24][25][26] The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the band's 2020 plans, postponing live tours and shifting promotions to virtual formats such as online interviews and streaming performances amid global lockdowns. Live activity resumed gradually in 2021 with the Jägermeister tour alongside All That Remains and Hellyeah, allowing the group to perform material from High Crimes. By 2022, the band appeared at major festivals including Good Things, maintaining momentum despite scheduling challenges from the ongoing health crisis.[5][27] Since 2019, the lineup has remained stable with Dan Andriano on bass. Members have pursued minor side projects, including guest appearances and contributions to other artists' recordings, while the supergroup has focused on sporadic live outings rather than new material. In 2024, Ironiclast received its first vinyl pressing via Enjoy The Ride Records. In November 2025, a limited-edition 7" vinyl of the 2011 track "Trophy Widow" (from the Batman: Arkham City soundtrack) was released, limited to 250 copies. As of November 2025, no third album has been confirmed, though the band continues to express interest in future collaborations in interviews.[28][29][30][31]Musical style and influences
Genre and characteristics
The Damned Things is a hard rock supergroup incorporating heavy metal and alternative metal influences, along with punk and hardcore edges drawn from the members' experiences in their primary bands.[1][32][33] The band's signature sound centers on a dual guitar assault, featuring Scott Ian's aggressive, thrash-derived riffs layered against Joe Trohman's melodic leads, which create a dynamic interplay reminiscent of classic hard rock harmony lines. Keith Buckley's vocals deliver an aggressive intensity tempered by melodic phrasing, often shifting between raw shouts and tuneful hooks, while the rhythm section—anchored by Andy Hurley's precise drumming and Dan Andriano's driving bass—provides a tight, propulsive foundation that emphasizes groove over complexity.[34][6][35] Across their discography, the group's style has evolved from the debut album Ironiclast's raw, high-energy punk-metal hybrid—marked by bluesy riffs, fast-paced structures, and straightforward rock aggression—to the more refined production of High Crimes, which introduces progressive song arrangements, atmospheric textures, and a broader palette of dynamics while retaining anthemic choruses and accessible melodies.[36][37][38][23] This progression avoids overt metal extremity, prioritizing riff-driven rock anthems with elements like high-tempo bursts and layered group vocals in refrains to enhance catchiness and live energy.[6][39][40]Influences from member bands
Scott Ian's thrash metal roots with Anthrax infuse The Damned Things with aggressive riffing and mosh-pit energy, particularly evident in the fast-paced, rhythm-driven tracks that highlight his expertise in crafting heavy, groove-oriented guitar work.[41][5] Joe Trohman and Andy Hurley's involvement from Fall Out Boy introduces pop-punk sensibilities, emphasizing catchy hooks and anthemic choruses that broaden the band's appeal and allow guitars to take a more prominent role compared to their primary band's pop-oriented production.[29][42][5] Keith Buckley's metalcore and post-hardcore style from Every Time I Die contributes chaotic vocals and dynamic shifts, though adapted toward melody-focused singing that contrasts his usual scream-heavy delivery, resulting in rawer, less polished expressions within the band's sound.[43][42] Dan Andriano's punk rock background with Alkaline Trio adds melodic bass lines and emotional lyricism, serving as a "secret weapon" that provides depth and nuance to the rhythm section, enhancing the overall cohesion.[41][5] Former guitarist Rob Caggiano drew from his Volbeat and Anthrax experiences to incorporate hard rock elements, including bluesy solos and classic thrash grooves inspired by acts like Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath.[44] The Damned Things embody a collaborative ethos rooted in supergroup tradition, where members prioritize fun and experimentation over genre purity, blending their diverse backgrounds through processes like email exchanges and spontaneous jamming to create a unified yet eclectic rock sound.[41][43][5]Band members
Current members
The current lineup of The Damned Things consists of Keith Buckley on lead vocals, Scott Ian on rhythm guitar, Joe Trohman on lead guitar, Andy Hurley on drums, and Dan Andriano on bass and backing vocals. This configuration has been stable since 2019, with the core members from the band's debut album remaining active alongside Andriano's permanent addition following the group's reformation.[45][2] Keith Buckley has served as lead vocalist since the band's formation in 2009. Known for his work with Every Time I Die, Buckley brings a raw vocal delivery to The Damned Things that blends screams with melody, providing a sardonically irreverent edge to the group's hard rock sound.[2][9] Scott Ian has been the rhythm guitarist and co-founder since 2009. As a member of Anthrax, Ian infuses the band's music with a thrash metal foundation, contributing heavy riffs that anchor the songs' aggressive energy.[2][9] Joe Trohman has played lead guitar and served as co-founder since 2009. Drawing from his role in Fall Out Boy, Trohman adds melodic and punk-inflected elements through his guitar work, enhancing the band's dynamic range.[2][9] Andy Hurley has handled drums since 2009. A member of Fall Out Boy, Hurley delivers precise, high-energy beats that drive the band's high-tempo performances and blend punk precision with rock intensity.[2][9] Dan Andriano has played bass since 2019. From Alkaline Trio, Andriano provides melodic bass lines and backing vocals, bringing a punk rock sensibility and robust low-end support to the group's sound on their second album and beyond.[45][46]Former members
The Damned Things' original lineup featured Rob Caggiano as lead guitarist from the band's formation in 2009 until 2013.[47] During this period, Caggiano contributed significantly to the debut album Ironiclast (2010), performing lead guitar parts as well as all bass tracks, which helped shape the record's hard rock sound blending metal riffs with classic influences.[9] His departure in early 2013 was prompted by his commitment to joining Volbeat as their full-time guitarist, with no reported conflicts among the members.[48][49] Josh Newton served as the band's touring bassist from 2010 until the hiatus around 2013, providing live support during tours.[13][8] He did not rejoin the group for their 2019 reformation.[50][51] No other long-term or session members have been documented in the band's history beyond these changes, which led to the current lineup incorporating Dan Andriano on bass to replace Newton.[45]Discography
Studio albums
The Damned Things' debut studio album, Ironiclast, was released on December 14, 2010, internationally and December 15, 2010, in North America by Mercury Records.[52] The album was produced by Rob Caggiano and co-produced by Joe Trohman, with mixing handled by Nick Raskulinecz.[9] It features 10 tracks blending hard rock and classic influences, with key songs including "Trophy" and "A Dangerous Myth."[53]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Handbook for the Recently Deceased" | 4:15 |
| 2. | "Bad Blood" | 3:21 |
| 3. | "Friday Night (Going Down in Flames)" | 3:49 |
| 4. | "We've Got a Situation Here" | 3:48 |
| 5. | "A Dangerous Myth" | 3:40 |
| 6. | "Trophy" | 3:25 |
| 7. | "Little Darling" | 4:31 |
| 8. | "Ironiclast" | 3:56 |
| 9. | "Grave Robber" | 4:03 |
| 10. | "The Blues Havin' Blues" | 4:26 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Cells" | 3:03 |
| 2. | "Something Good" | 3:43 |
| 3. | "Invincible" | 3:51 |
| 4. | "Omen" | 4:27 |
| 5. | "Carry a Brick" | 4:21 |
| 6. | "Storm Charmer" | 5:57 |
| 7. | "Young Hearts" | 3:44 |
| 8. | "Keep Crawling" | 3:35 |
| 9. | "Let Me Be (Your Girl)" | 3:18 |
| 10. | "The Fire Is Cold" | 2:16 |
Singles
The Damned Things have released a select number of singles across their two studio albums, primarily as digital downloads and streaming releases to promote their full-length efforts. These tracks emphasize the band's hard rock sound, often accompanied by music or lyric videos to build anticipation for album launches. Post-2010, the group shifted away from physical formats, focusing on online platforms for wider accessibility.| Title | Album | Release Date | Format | Associated Media | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| We've Got a Situation Here | Ironiclast | October 25, 2010 | Digital download, promotional 7" vinyl | Official music video directed by Brendan Small | Lead single from debut album; featured limited rock radio airplay. [58] [59] |
| Cells | High Crimes | February 21, 2019 | Digital download, streaming | Official music video directed by Brandon Dermer | Second single; video explores themes of isolation and chaos through narrative visuals. [26] [60] [61] |
| Something Good | High Crimes | March 21, 2019 | Digital download, streaming | Official music video directed by Kris Baldwin | Lead single; animated video highlights energetic, anthemic elements with humorous undertones. [62] [63] [5] |
| Omen | High Crimes | April 26, 2019 | Digital download, streaming | Official lyric video | Released coinciding with album launch; emphasizes brooding lyrics over instrumental backdrop. [64] [65] [66] |
