Noise Noise Noise

DOWN AT THE ROCK AND ROLL CLUB—Last night’s remarkable show by the Damned at Concord Music Hall in Chicago began with a joke.

“Good evening,” guitarist Captain Sensible brightly announced. “I’d like to open with ‘Happy Talk.’” A theatrical double take. “Oh, uhm, er..no, I mean…we’re the Damned!” Laughter all around. I’m sure it’s a bit. But it landed.

Before the Damned hit the stage—they’re touring with their 1980s lineup of Sensible on guitar, Rat Scabies on drums, Paul Gray on bass, Monty Oxymo...