Damian Davey (born Damian Baker; 30 September 1964 – 12 February 2017), who recorded simply as Damian, was an English pop vocalist and performer best known for a late‑1980s revival single that brought theatrical and glam‑era songs back into contemporary pop. A native of Manchester, he achieved mainstream recognition for a cover of "The Time Warp," originally from The Rocky Horror Show, and he recorded other nostalgic pop and glam covers that appealed to radio listeners and club audiences.
Early life and career
Born in Manchester, Damian adopted a stage name as he moved into professional music. He emerged during a period when retro material and theatrical songs were often reworked for late‑20th century pop markets. His approach paired straightforward vocal delivery with contemporary production, bringing songs from the stage and earlier rock eras to listeners who favoured accessible pop singles.
Notable recordings and style
Damian's repertoire leaned toward cover versions and reinterpretations rather than original songwriting. His best‑known recordings include:
- "The Time Warp" — a cover of the Rocky Horror stage number that became his signature recording.
- "Wig‑Wam Bam" — a take on the glam rock hit by the Sweet, reflecting his interest in 1970s pop.
These recordings showcased a pop production style that emphasized melody and singalong hooks, fitting well with radio playlists and nostalgia‑oriented programming.
Later life and legacy
After the initial commercial attention, Damian continued to perform and to be recognised on nostalgia circuits where audiences appreciated covers of stage and glam rock material. He remained associated with the late‑1980s pop revival trend that brought older songs into new contexts. Damian died of cancer on 12 February 2017 at the age of 52. His recordings are remembered as part of a brief wave of late‑20th century covers that bridged musical theatre, glam rock and mainstream pop.