The Damned’s Former Collaborator Alan Lee Shaw Reportedly Dies of Food Poisoning

London, UK

The punk world is mourning the sudden death of Alan Lee Shaw, a former collaborator with British punk legends The Damned, who has reportedly passed away from complications related to food poisoning. Shaw, aged 70, was known for his gritty guitar work and brief but influential role with the band in the 1990s.

Sources close to the family confirmed that Shaw fell ill earlier this week after dining at a restaurant in Camden. Though initially thought to be recovering, his condition worsened rapidly. He was pronounced dead at the scene when emergency services arrived at his residence.

Shaw played guitar with The Damned during their 1996 tour and contributed to the album Not of This Earth, a lesser-known but cult-followed release in the band’s long discography. His involvement, while brief, left a lasting impression on fans of the band’s rawer, post-mainstream sound.

Tributes Pour In

Earlier today, The Damned posted a touching tribute to Shaw on their official Instagram page. The image, a black-and-white photo of Shaw from a 1990s studio session, was accompanied by a heartfelt caption:

> “We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Alan Lee Shaw. His raw energy and unforgettable riffs, though heard only briefly in our journey, left a lasting mark. Punk never dies, but today it mourns. RIP Alan.”

— @officialthedamned

Legacy in Punk

Though he never reached household-name status, Alan Lee Shaw was considered a purist’s punk—authentic, gritty, and unapologetically underground. Besides The Damned, he also played with The Rings, The Maniacs, and Johnny Moped, earning a loyal following among those who lived the punk movement from the inside.

Fans have taken to social media using hashtags like #RIPAlanLeeShaw and #PunkForever, honoring a guitarist who may not have dominated the spotlight, but helped keep punk’s flame alive.

An investigation into the food poisoning incident is ongoing.