Before punk rock exploded into the mainstream, there was The Damned.
They were the first UK punk band to release a single, the first to release an album, and among the first to take the raw energy of the London punk scene to audiences around the world.
At the heart of that revolution was founding drummer Rat Scabies, one of the most colourful, talented and unconventional personalities in rock music.
In this fascinating episode of A Breath of Fresh Air, Sandy Kaye sits down with Rat Scabies for a candid and often hilarious conversation that goes far beyond the music.
From the very beginning, Sandy can't resist asking the question that millions of people have wondered for decades: where on earth did the name "Rat Scabies" come from? His answer is every bit as entertaining as you might expect and sets the tone for an interview filled with humour, honesty and unforgettable stories.
Rat takes us back to London's mid-'70s, when punk wasn't yet a movement but a handful of young musicians determined to tear up the rule book.
He recalls how The Damned came together, the excitement surrounding the band's earliest rehearsals, and the extraordinary feeling of being part of something completely new.
He shares his memories of recording "New Rose," now recognised as the first British punk single, and explains how the band quickly established itself as one of the most exciting live acts of the era.
The conversation explores what life was really like inside the early punk scene, separating myth from reality while revealing the friendships, rivalries and creative energy that fuelled one of the most important musical revolutions of the twentieth century.
Rat reflects on performing alongside many of the biggest names in punk, the unpredictable nature of those early tours and the unique chemistry that helped make The Damned one of the genre's most enduring bands.
Throughout the interview, Rat discusses his distinctive drumming style, his approach to performance and why humour has always played such an important role in both his personality and his career.
He also reflects on the many changes The Damned have experienced over nearly five decades, including line-up changes, reunions and the band's remarkable ability to remain relevant while continuing to attract new generations of fans.
The conversation also ventures beyond music as Rat talks about his lifelong curiosity, his fascination with history and the paranormal, and the many unusual adventures that have occupied him away from the stage.
It's a revealing look at a musician whose interests extend far beyond rock and roll and whose inquisitive mind has led him down some remarkable paths.
Whether you've followed The Damned since the very beginning or you're discovering them for the first time, this episode offers an intimate portrait of one of punk's true pioneers.
Rat Scabies proves to be thoughtful, witty, refreshingly self-aware and full of stories that capture both the chaos and creativity of an era that transformed popular music forever.
If you enjoy hearing the real stories behind legendary artists, be sure to follow A Breath of Fresh Air so you never miss an episode. You'll find in-depth conversations with many of the musicians who created the soundtrack of our lives, sharing the memories, challenges and triumphs that shaped music history.
