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"Smash It Up"
Single by the Damned
from the album Machine Gun Etiquette
B-side"Burglar"
Released12 October 1979 (1979-10-12)
Recorded1979
Genre
Length2:53
LabelChiswick
CHIS 116
Songwriters
  • Dave Vanian
  • Captain Sensible
  • Rat Scabies
  • Algy Ward
Producers
The Damned singles chronology
"Love Song"
(1979) 		"Smash It Up"
(1979) 		"I Just Can't Be Happy Today"
(1979)

"Smash It Up" is a song by the English punk rock band the Damned, released as a single on 12 October 1979 by Chiswick Records. It is considered the band's unofficial anthem.[1]

The single was the second release from the band's third studio album Machine Gun Etiquette (1979), where it was listed as "Smash It Up (Part II)". The B-side of the single was "Burglar".[2]

Production

[edit]

"Smash It Up" was produced by the band and Roger Armstrong. It is structured in two-part form: a melodic instrumental introduction (written in homage to Marc Bolan after his tragic death) segueing into an energetic pop-punk song. The song's lyrics criticize those who indulge in hippie culture (referring to "blow wave hairstyles" and "Glastonbury hippies"[3]) instead of advocating for political revolution.

Release

[edit]

Chiswick reissued the single on their budget Big Beat imprint in February 1982.[4][deprecated source] The single was also issued in Australia, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain.

"Smash It Up" was boycotted by BBC Radio 1 because of its perceived anarchic lyrics,[5] stalling at No. 35 in the UK Singles Chart.[6]

In November 2004, Ace Records reissued the single on CD, with alternate versions of the song (including the previously unreleased third and fourth parts of "Smash It Up") and a video, directed by Martin Baker, added.

Promotion

[edit]

The Damned performed "Smash It Up" (as well as "I Just Can't Be Happy Today") on the BBC2 television show The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1979.[7]

Track listing

[edit]

All songs written by Scabies, Sensible, Vanian, Ward.

1979 vinyl release[2]
  1. "Smash It Up" – 2:52
  2. "Burglar" – 3:33
2004 CD release[8]
  1. "Smash It Up" – 2:52
  2. "Burglar" – 3:33
  3. "Smash It Up Parts 1–4" – 8:43

Production credits

[edit]

Producers

Musicians

Cover versions

[edit]
"Smash It Up"
Single by The Offspring
from the album Batman Forever soundtrack
Released1995
GenrePunk rock
Length3:24
LabelEpitaph
SongwritersDave Vanian, Captain Sensible, Rat Scabies, Algy Ward
The Offspring singles chronology
"Gotta Get Away"
(1995) 		"Smash It Up"
(1995) 		"All I Want"
(1997)

The song was covered by Die Toten Hosen for the 1991 cover album Learning English, Lesson One.[9]

In 1995, The Offspring covered the song for the soundtrack to the film Batman Forever. Although the song appeared in the film for only a few seconds, the full version was included on the soundtrack.[10] It peaked at No. 16 on the U.S. Modern Rock Tracks chart and No. 47 on the Hot 100 Airplay chart.[11] Its chart success came about since it was the band's first new single after the breakthrough of their Smash album, albeit before their follow-up album Ixnay on the Hombre. It was later released on The Offspring's Club Me EP and also on the "All I Want" CD single.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Smash It Up

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Smash It Up" is a two-part song by the English band the Damned, released as a double A-side single with "Burglar" on 12 October 1979 by Records and included on their third studio album . The track, written primarily by bassist and singer Dave Vanian, features an aggressive, riff-driven Part 1 critiquing rock star excesses and a faster, more melodic Part 2 that became a staple of the band's live sets, often performed with chaotic energy including stage destruction during a notorious 1979 appearance on the BBC's . Peaking at number 35 on the UK Singles Chart, it marked a commercial rebound for the Damned following lineup changes and label shifts, solidifying their status as punk pioneers who released the genre's first single ( in 1976) and album (). Though lyrics evoke anti-establishment rebellion amid 1970s socio-economic unrest, band members have downplayed overt political intent, describing influences like frothy lager and tributes to figures such as T. Rex's rather than revolutionary calls. The song's enduring legacy includes covers by acts like and , underscoring its influence on punk and despite the Damned's marginalization in some punk histories relative to peers like the .

Background and Development

Origins in The Damned's Career

The Damned, formed in London in 1976, quickly established themselves as pioneers of the UK punk rock scene, becoming the first British punk band to release a single ("New Rose" in October 1976) and a full-length album (Damned Damned Damned in early 1977), as well as the first to tour the United States that year. Their rapid rise included high-energy performances and a raw, aggressive sound that captured the era's anti-establishment ethos, but internal tensions surfaced during sessions for their second album, Music for Pleasure, released in November 1977. Following the album's release, founding guitarist Brian James departed in early amid creative and personal disputes, leading to the band's effective dissolution and a nine-month hiatus. This period marked a low point, with the original lineup fracturing under the pressures of fame, touring exhaustion, and shifting musical directions, as the group struggled to maintain cohesion after initial punk breakthroughs. "Smash It Up" emerged directly from the band's reformation in January 1979, when core members Dave Vanian (vocals) and (drums) regrouped with shifting from bass to guitar, new bassist , and guitarist . Signing with Chiswick Records, the revitalized lineup recorded (released November 1979), their third album, which represented a deliberate evolution incorporating psychedelic and influences beyond strict punk orthodoxy. The song, co-written by Sensible, Vanian, Ward, and Scabies, drew partial inspiration from prior experiences, including a in its Part 1 to Marc Bolan of T. Rex, with whom The Damned had toured in 1977. This track encapsulated their comeback resilience, transforming career instability into a defiant, anthemic statement that propelled their return to prominence.

Writing and Inspiration

"Smash It Up" originated as a multi-part composition written primarily by (Raymond Burns), who demoed an initial four-part version at RMW Studios prior to the recording sessions for the band's third album, . Only Parts 1 and 2 were ultimately included on the album, with Parts 3 and 4 surfacing later on reissues and compilations; during production at Sound Suite Studios, Parts 1, 2, and 4 were recorded, but the structure was streamlined for the single release. The lyrics for the vocal sections were co-credited to Sensible and vocalist Dave Vanian (David Letts), reflecting a collaborative approach that marked a shift toward more democratic songwriting within the band compared to earlier efforts dominated by guitarist Brian James. The instrumental Part 1, a melancholic prelude featuring and somber tones, was composed by Sensible as a direct tribute to of T. Rex, following Bolan's death in a car crash on September 16, 1977. Sensible, who had closely observed Bolan's performances during The Damned's support tour with T. Rex earlier that year, described the segment as a "requiemesque" response to the glam rock pioneer's sudden passing, which left him "devastated." This personal impetus contrasted with the aggressive punk drive of Part 2, yet the two elements were fused to create a dynamic single that encapsulated the band's evolution from raw punk aggression toward more structured, eclectic expression. While the lyrics in Part 2 evoke rebellion—"We've been crying now for much too long / And now we're gonna dance to a different song"—Sensible later clarified that the song's drew from everyday frustrations rather than ideological manifestos, emphasizing themes of youthful discontent over literal calls to . The benefited from the band's post-lineup stability after James's departure, allowing Sensible to assume lead guitar duties and experiment with keyboards and varied tempos, influences partly absorbed from contemporaries like Motörhead during shared tours. This period of reinvention informed the track's inspiration, blending homage to rock predecessors with the punk scene's imperative for disruption.

Punk Scene Context

The United Kingdom's scene crystallized in the mid-1970s amid socioeconomic stagnation, high , and disillusionment with mainstream rock's excesses, manifesting as a DIY of short, abrasive songs decrying and . Emerging from London's underground clubs like the , where pivotal events such as the 1976 Anarchy Tour galvanized participants, punk prioritized raw energy over technical proficiency, influencing fashion, fanzines, and independent record labels. The Damned, formed in 1976, epitomized this inception by issuing the first British punk single, "New Rose," on October 22, 1976—predating peers like the —and the debut album on February 18, 1977, which captured the genre's chaotic velocity with tracks clocking under three minutes. By 1979, the scene had matured and diversified following the ' acrimonious dissolution in January 1978, with punk splintering into experimental (e.g., bands like emphasizing atmospheric dread) and politicized variants amid the Winter of Discontent's strikes and inflation peaking at 24.1% in . Provincial scenes proliferated, diluting London's centrality, while commercialization via radio play and major-label signings prompted backlash against "sell-outs," fostering subgenres like oi! and . The Damned, after disbanding in February 1978 due to internal strife, reformed in early 1979 with new members on drums and on bass, reclaiming their pioneering status—having been the first punk act to tour the in 1977—through Machine Gun Etiquette, released November 2, 1979, which fused punk's aggression with swing to sustain the original ethos against abstraction. "Smash It Up," the album's issued October 12, 1979, embodied this transitional punk resilience, its dual-part structure railing against nostalgia and stagnation in a scene increasingly polarized between revivalists and innovators. While overshadowed by narrative-dominant acts like the Pistols, The Damned's output underscored punk's foundational irreverence, with live shows notorious for onstage mayhem that mirrored the genre's anti-authoritarian core, even as Thatcherism's rise post-May 1979 elections intensified youth alienation.

Composition

Musical Structure

"Smash It Up" is structured as a two-part composition, with Part 1 functioning as a melodic instrumental introduction and Part 2 delivering the vocal-driven punk rock core. The opening segment, credited to guitarist Captain Sensible, draws from psychedelic influences and serves as a tribute to T. Rex frontman Marc Bolan, who died in a car accident on September 16, 1977; Sensible composed it after touring with Bolan in 1977. This instrumental features a clean, arpeggiated guitar riff that builds tension before seamlessly transitioning into the chaotic energy of Part 2. Part 2 shifts to a high-tempo punk assault at approximately 166 beats per minute in the key of , characterized by driving rhythms, distorted chords, prominent bass lines, and ' rapid drumming. The arrangement adheres to punk conventions with verse-chorus , repetitive hooks emphasizing the title phrase, and minimalistic production that prioritizes raw aggression over complexity. The full track runs about 5 minutes and 14 seconds, blending bounce with proto-goth undertones in its dynamic shifts.

Lyrics and Themes

"Smash It Up" comprises two distinct parts, with the first serving as an instrumental tribute to the sound of T. Rex and its frontman , who perished in a car crash on September 16, 1977. This opening segment evokes the melodic, riff-driven style of Bolan's band through its guitar work, transitioning into the vocal-driven second part without explicit lyrical content in the intro. The lyrics of Part 2, credited to all band members—Dave Vanian, , , and —center on explosive frustration and a visceral urge to dismantle societal conventions, articulated through Vanian's delivery. Key verses depict a shift from prolonged despair ("We've been crying now for much too long") to defiant action ("I'm gonna smash it up until there's nothing left"), targeting symbols of mainstream British conformity such as "frothy " (alluding to mass-produced culture) and "blow wave hairstyles" (satirizing 1970s trends). The repetitive chorus—"Smash it up, smash it up, smash it up"—functions as a punk , rejecting , guilt, and in favor of chaotic release. Thematically, the song embodies punk's core impulse toward nihilistic rebellion against perceived stagnation, channeling personal and cultural discontent into calls for destruction as a precursor to renewal, though without endorsing specific political programs. Band reflections underscore its ironic edge over earnest revolution; as noted in a 2015 band discussion, the content revolves around trivial irritants like rather than systemic overhaul, framing it as cathartic punk bombast. has echoed this in interviews, linking the track's anger to performative excess rather than ideological depth, aligning with The Damned's history of blending horror-punk with humorous . This approach distinguishes it from more doctrinaire punk anthems, prioritizing visceral energy and audience participation over prescriptive messaging.

Production

Recording Process

The Damned recorded the core components of "Smash It Up" across multiple studios in 1979, reflecting the song's evolution from a multi-part to a cohesive single. Parts 1 and 2 were captured at in during August 1979, with engineering handled by . These sessions produced the melodic instrumental introduction and energetic punk verses that define the track's structure, produced by the band alongside Roger Armstrong. Part 3 originated as a demo recorded in , while Part 4 was developed at Sound Suite Studios in Camden; these elements were later integrated with the recordings to form the single version, excluding the Croydon demo initially. For the full album inclusion on , the band revisited Part 3, re-recording it properly to complete the four-part sequence. Mixing for the single occurred in September 1979, credited to Gary Edwards. The sessions overlapped with other high-profile recordings at the facility, including the Clash's , though no direct collaboration is documented for this track. The production emphasized the band's raw punk energy, with Captain Sensible's guitar riffs and Dave Vanian's vocals layered to homage influences like Love's "" in the intro, while maintaining a garage-punk edge suited to Records' ethos. These efforts culminated in the single's release on October 12, 1979, ahead of the album's November issuance.

Technical Details and Credits

"Smash It Up" was recorded in 1979 at Sound Suite Studios, with overdubs completed at in . The track's production was credited to Roger Armstrong of Records and the band The Damned. Engineering duties were handled by Gary Edwards and . Songwriting credits for the single are attributed to Dave Vanian, , , and . The composition consists of two distinct parts: "Part 1," an instrumental riff section written by as a tribute to of T. Rex, and "Part 2," featuring lyrics and a more melodic structure contributed to by . The performing lineup included Dave Vanian on lead vocals, on guitar and bass, on bass guitar, and on drums. The single was issued as a 7-inch 45 RPM vinyl record ( Records CHIS 116), with "Smash It Up (Parts 1 & 2)" as the A-side (running time approximately 2:50) and "Burglar" as the B-side (3:32). A previously unissued "Part 4" was recorded during the same sessions but released later on expanded editions of .

Release and Commercial Performance

Single Release

"Smash It Up" was released as a single on 12 October 1979 by Chiswick Records in the United Kingdom, serving as the second single from The Damned's third studio album, Machine Gun Etiquette. The release featured the band-produced track, credited to Roger Armstrong and The Damned, in a standard 7-inch vinyl format at 45 RPM with catalogue number CHIS 116. The A-side presented "Smash It Up (Parts 1 & 2)", combining a surf-inspired instrumental intro with punk verses, while the B-side included "Burglar", an original composition sung by drummer Rat Scabies. The single was issued in a card picture sleeve with top-opening design, emphasizing the band's punk aesthetic. International variants followed, including a German pressing under Chiswick's licensing.

Promotion and Charting

"Smash It Up" was released as a single by Chiswick Records on September 28, 1979, serving as the second extraction from the band's album . The single, featuring "Smash It Up (Part 2)" on the A-side backed by "Burglar," received standard punk-era promotion through independent label channels, including printed flyers and posters distributed in the UK to advertise the release. In the UK Singles Chart, "Smash It Up" debuted in early October 1979, initially at number 43 before climbing to a peak of number 35 and charting for a total of six weeks. This modest performance reflected the band's niche appeal within the waning punk scene, following their earlier top-20 hit earlier that year. Promotion efforts included a dedicated promotional video produced in 1979, aired on international television such as Australian broadcasts, alongside live radio sessions for stations like Capital Radio, where the band performed extended parts of the track. The band also showcased the song live on BBC's Old Grey Whistle Test on November 6, 1979, contributing to visibility amid the single's chart run. These activities aligned with Chiswick's strategy of leveraging media appearances and grassroots punk networks rather than large-scale advertising campaigns.

Bans and Restrictions

"Smash It Up" encountered broadcasting restrictions in the United Kingdom shortly after its release as a single in September 1979. The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) refused to include the track on Radio 1's playlist, interpreting its lyrics as endorsing anarchic disruption and posing a potential threat to social order. This decision stemmed from the song's provocative title and themes of rebellion, with lines such as "Smash it up, smash it up, here we go," viewed by BBC executives as inciting unrest amid the era's punk-related moral panics. The ban extended to BBC's Top of the Pops program, further curtailing mainstream exposure during a period when television performance was critical for chart success. Without BBC airplay, the single's promotional reach was severely limited, resulting in a peak position of number 35 on the UK Singles Chart in October 1979, despite positive reception in punk circles. Contemporary observers noted that the restriction reflected broader institutional caution toward punk music, which was often scapegoated for youth disturbances, though the themselves critiqued superficial rebellion rather than explicitly calling for violence. No formal legal bans or charges were imposed, distinguishing "Smash It Up" from more explicitly controversial punk tracks like those by the . The BBC's self-imposed restriction highlighted tensions between public broadcasters and the , prioritizing perceived public safety over artistic expression. International markets faced no comparable prohibitions, allowing the song to gain traction through independent radio and live performances.

Reception and Criticism

Contemporary Reviews

Upon release on 12 October , "Smash It Up" garnered positive notices in the UK music press for revitalizing The Damned's sound with a mix of punk drive and accessible powerpop hooks. Critics appreciated the track's dynamic structure—divided into a slower, keyboard-led Part 1 building to the faster, guitar-fueled Part 2—and its anthemic chorus, viewing it as evidence of the band's maturation beyond raw punk aggression. Publications like highlighted its immediate impact, describing it as a standout that captured the band's chaotic energy while delivering radio-friendly appeal, despite lyrical jabs at hippies prompting play bans. Sounds and Melody Maker echoed this sentiment, praising the single's humor and production polish under Nick Lowe's guidance, which contrasted with the era's more austere punk output. Reviewers noted how Captain Sensible's multi-instrumental contributions, including keyboards and bass, added layers of complexity, making it a fan favorite amid the band's post-reformation lineup shifts. The B-side "Burglar" received less attention but was seen as a solid, straightforward punk number complementing the A-side's ambition. Overall, the reception underscored The Damned's commercial resurgence, with the single peaking at number 20 on the UK Singles Chart despite restricted .

Long-Term Assessment

In retrospective analyses, "Smash It Up" has been hailed as a cornerstone of late-1970s punk, blending visceral aggression with melodic hooks that presaged pop-punk's emergence. Its dual structure—Part 1's raw, riff-driven call to dismantle complacency and Part 2's psychedelic outro—demonstrates The Damned's willingness to subvert punk orthodoxy, moving beyond the monochromatic fury of contemporaries like the toward genre hybridization. This innovation, rooted in the band's post-Brian James lineup, earned praise in reissue reviews for capturing punk's chaotic spirit while injecting humor and musical dexterity, as noted in evaluations of . The track's anti-hippie , decrying "blow wave hairdos" and "Turkish caps," reflect a causal rejection of remnants infiltrating punk, positioning it as a for renewal through destruction—a theme that resonated enduringly amid punk's backlash against perceived stagnation. Long-term critical lists affirm its status: ranked among the top punk songs for its disruptive energy and live-wire appeal, even for audiophiles valuing its driving guitar and insistent keys on high-fidelity systems. Initial bans by the and venues, stemming from fears of incited chaos, paradoxically enhanced its mythic aura, with stories of fans trashing theaters like London's reinforcing its role in punk's performative rebellion. Decades later, the song retains vitality through consistent live staples, drawing fervent crowds at events like the 2019 shows and 2025's , where it closed sets amid sustained enthusiasm. Reappraisals of underscore "Smash It Up" as emblematic of The Damned's longevity, outlasting many peers by evolving punk without diluting its edge, though some critics note its polished production marked a departure from rawer debut-era urgency. No significant reevaluation has diminished its standing; instead, it symbolizes punk's capacity for self-critique and reinvention, influencing subsequent waves while avoiding the overhyping pitfalls seen in mainstream punk narratives.

Controversies and Interpretations

The of "Smash It Up," particularly in Part 2, express disdain for perceived excesses of culture, referencing "Krishna burgers," " hippies," and "blow wave hairstyles" as symbols of outdated countercultural pretensions, which some interpreters view as punk's broader repudiation of in favor of raw, immediate . However, , who penned much of the song, emphasized its non-political, playful intent, stating it was "about frothy lager" and rejecting any framing as a , instead capturing the boisterous camaraderie of singalongs amid punk's irreverence. The instrumental Part 1 originated as a melancholic guitar piece composed by Sensible shortly after learning of Marc Bolan's death in a car crash on September 16, 1977, with adding chords the following day; the band explicitly framed it as a to the T. Rex leader, whom they had toured with earlier that year, contrasting sharply with Part 2's frenetic riff—also co-developed by Scabies—that evokes punk's signature chaos without deeper ideological prescription. A minor arose from a tabloid account of punks invading a middle-class suburban dinner party and chanting the song's , which fueled media narratives of punk as a direct threat to , though the band distanced itself from such literal incitements. This incident underscored interpretive tensions between the song's aggressive title and lyrics—often read as endorsing destruction of "the system"—and the Damned's insistence on its escapist, non-violent , as Sensible noted the original concept spanned a four-part suite later truncated, prioritizing musical fun over provocation.

Legacy and Influence

Cover Versions

The Offspring recorded a cover of "Smash It Up" for the Batman Forever soundtrack, released on June 20, 1995, by Warner Bros. Records, featuring a faster punk rock arrangement with added elements like gang vocals and a breakdown section. Die Toten Hosen, a German punk band, released a version featuring original Damned guitarist Captain Sensible on November 4, 1991, as part of their album Learning English: Lesson 3, which paid homage to British punk influences through covers of English-language songs. Captain Sensible, a founding member of The Damned, included a solo rendition on his 1984 EP Damned on 45, maintaining the original's energetic punk style while adapting it for his solo career. Japanese horror punk band Balzac covered the track in 2005 on their Out of the Grave and Nowhere, incorporating elements true to their sound. Other covers include a 1991 punk compilation version by The Posies on Another Damned Seattle Compilation, and a chaotic rendition by Cerebral Fix featuring future Iron Maiden singer Blaze Bayley in the late 1980s, reflecting influences.

Cultural and Musical Impact

"Smash It Up" exemplified The Damned's shift toward incorporating melodic elements within , featuring keyboards and a structured two-part format that blended melancholy tribute in Part 1 with energetic critique in Part 2. This evolution influenced subsequent punk and acts by demonstrating how punk could absorb pop sensibilities without diluting its raw energy, as seen in the band's broader shapeshifting style that impacted genres like goth rock. The song's cover by for the 1995 Batman Forever soundtrack introduced its riff and chorus to a mainstream audience, peaking at number 1 on the US Alternative Airplay chart and exemplifying punk's crossover potential into 1990s . Other covers, such as by , further extended its musical footprint, underscoring its role as a template for fast-paced, riff-driven punk anthems. Culturally, "Smash It Up" served as an unofficial anthem for The Damned, capturing late-1970s youth disillusionment by mocking remnants of hippie culture—such as "Krishna burgers" and festival attendees—rather than advocating overt political revolution, according to . Its refrain popularized "smash it up" as a symbol of creative disruption in music, echoing across punk's rejection of excesses and influencing expressions of in subsequent alternative scenes. The track's enduring live performance status, including dedications to influences like , highlights its lasting resonance in punk heritage.

Recent Performances and Revivals

The Damned have maintained "Smash It Up" as a staple in their live performances throughout the , reflecting the song's enduring appeal in their setlists during extensive North American and European tours. In 2023, the band played it at the in on October 29, energizing audiences with its high-energy punk delivery. By 2024, performances continued at venues like The Regency Ballroom in on June 6, where the track highlighted their blend of original punk aggression and matured stage presence. Into 2025, "Smash It Up" featured prominently in multiple U.S. tour dates, underscoring the band's active touring schedule despite lineup changes over decades. Setlists from the White Eagle Hall in Jersey City on May 1 included it alongside classics like "" and "." Similarly, at Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale on May 13, the song closed sections of the show, drawing strong crowd responses. Reviews from the 9:30 Club in , on May 2 noted its explosive rendition, part of a set delving into their catalog's punk roots. Later dates, such as in on September 20 and the Wiltern in on May 27, confirmed its recurrence, often bridging Parts 1 and 2 for full impact. Revivals of "Smash It Up" beyond The Damned's own shows remain sporadic, with no major new covers or adaptations documented in recent years that significantly elevate its cultural footprint. Fan discussions occasionally reference older acoustic interpretations, such as The Offspring's version, but these do not indicate a broader resurgence. The song's presence in streaming metrics shows sustained plays, ranking it among The Damned's top tracks on platforms like , yet without evidence of fresh reinterpretations driving renewed interest. Instead, its vitality persists through the band's ongoing performances, which serve as de facto revivals of 1970s punk ethos amid contemporary festival circuits.

Track Listing and Formats

"Smash It Up" was issued as a 7-inch, 45 RPM vinyl single by Chiswick Records in 1979. The A-side featured the title track, while the B-side contained "Burglar", a song with vocals by drummer Rat Scabies. Track durations were 2:53 for "Smash It Up" and 3:33 for "Burglar". Subsequent reissues appeared in various vinyl formats, including red and transparent red pressings for anniversaries, and the single has been compiled on CDs such as anthologies.
SideTitleLength
A2:53
BBurglar3:33

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  41. https://www.acerecords.co.uk/smash-it-up-bw-burglar
  42. https://www.45cat.com/record/chis116
  43. https://www.wow-vinyl.com/thesingle.asp?c=1&d=11
  44. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/damned-smash-it-up/
  45. https://dereksmusicblog.com/2019/09/27/40-years-ago-in-1979-the-damned-release-machine-gun-etiquette/
  46. https://m.facebook.com/decadeclub77/photos/celebrating-his-69th-birthday-today-who-is-the-guitar-wielding-nutty-boy-who-hel/782326864193965/
  47. https://monocledalchemist.com/2025/01/18/the-damned-machine-gun-etiquette-chiswick-1979/
  48. https://www.allmusic.com/song/smash-it-up-pt-2-mt0028514212
  49. https://progrography.com/damned/the-damned-machine-gun-etiquette-1979/
  50. https://recordcollectormag.com/reviews/album/machine-gun-etiquette
  51. https://www.facebook.com/groups/UnofficialDamnedNonsense/posts/2808609219277793/
  52. https://www.loudersound.com/features/the-20-best-punk-anthems-of-all-time
  53. https://www.whathifi.com/features/the-9-best-punk-tracks-even-audiophiles-will-forgive
  54. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/artists/damned-interviewwere-last-dying-breed-proper-bands/
  55. https://glidemagazine.com/317642/helmet-agent-orange-gwar-jack-white-the-damned-rock-riot-fest-day-2-festival-recap/
  56. https://artsfuse.org/193330/rock-cd-review-the-first-punk-rockers-the-damned-release-black-is-the-night/
  57. https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/damned/smashitup.html
  58. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/t-rex-guitarist-marc-bolan-dies-in-car-accident-204436/
  59. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/666236/versions
  60. https://secondhandsongs.com/performance/60895/all
  61. https://secondhandsongs.com/work/60894/all
  62. https://www.whosampled.com/The-Damned/Smash-It-Up/covered/
  63. https://secondhandsongs.com/release/24723/all
  64. https://www.reddit.com/r/ironmaiden/comments/1kvp8bk/premaiden_blaze_bayley_singing_smash_it_up/
  65. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/the-damned-create-grave-disorder-78661/
  66. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeYjSX7cFAw
  67. https://www.setlist.fm/song/the-damned/smash-it-up-7bd2beac.html
  68. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oz14jvsU_IQ
  69. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O332zSCEs5w
  70. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-damned/2025/white-eagle-hall-jersey-city-nj-1b5e7da4.html
  71. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-damned/2025/revolution-live-fort-lauderdale-fl-35e753b.html
  72. https://www.concertaddicts.com/reviews/live-review-the-damned-930-club-may-2nd-2025
  73. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-damned/2025/douglass-park-chicago-il-1b47fd94.html
  74. https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-damned/2025/wiltern-theatre-los-angeles-ca-b5a196e.html
  75. https://www.reddit.com/r/punk/comments/1cxx13a/whats_your_favourite_acoustic_song/
  76. https://www.goldminemag.com/music-history/the-top-20-songs-by-the-damned/
  77. https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/the-damned-33d68409.html
  78. https://www.discogs.com/release/3933262-The-Damned-Smash-It-Up
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