A drummer and producer who played a key role in shaping the UK punk rock scene, known for his energetic and unpredictable stage presence.
Rat Scabies, born Christopher John Millar on July 30, 1955, is a British musician renowned for his work as the drummer for the English punk rock band The Damned.
Since the band's inception in 1976, Scabies has been instrumental in shaping The Damned's sound, which has been characterized by its raw energy, dark humor, and rebellious spirit.
Scabies was born in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, and began his musical journey playing drums with Tor and London SS before co-founding The Damned with Brian James, Dave Vanian, and Captain Sensible.
The origin of his stage name "Rat Scabies" dates back to his audition for London SS, where he was suffering from scabies, a skin infection, when a rat ran across the basement floor.
The Damned's first gig was supporting the Sex Pistols, and they went on to release the first punk single in the UK, "New Rose."
Throughout the years, Scabies has been an integral part of The Damned's evolution, with the band undergoing various lineup changes and creative explorations.
However, a dispute over the release of the album "Not of This Earth" led to Scabies' departure from the band in 1995.
In addition to his work with The Damned, Scabies has pursued a solo career, releasing a cover version of Bob Dylan's "This Wheel's on Fire" credited to Rat Scabies and The Whale.
He has also collaborated with various artists, including Donovan, Neville Staple (formerly of The Specials), Dave Catching (Eagles of Death Metal), Chris Goss, and Jane Horrocks, among others.
Scabies has also worked as a producer, notably with Flipron and Ebony Bones.
In 2018, Scabies released his solo album "P.H.D. Prison, Hospital, Debt", marking a new chapter in his musical journey.
In a surprise move, The Damned announced in 2023 that Scabies had rejoined the band as a permanent member, followed by the news of a North American tour featuring the band's 1980s lineup.
Scabies resides in Brentford with his wife Viv and their three children, and has been the central character of the book "Rat Scabies and The Holy Grail", written by former music journalist Christopher Dawes.
Throughout his career, Scabies has embodied the punk spirit, pushing boundaries and defying conventions. His influence on punk rock and alternative music is undeniable, and his contributions continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.
Rat Scabies' legacy extends beyond his work with The Damned, having contributed to the evolution of punk rock and its offspring, influencing a wide range of artists and styles.
His rebellious spirit, creative energy, and dedication to his craft have cemented his place as a punk rock icon, ensuring his influence will be felt for years to come.
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