After a few quiet weeks and a couple of cancellations, TJ's has come up tops with some great gigs lined up next week.

Making a triumphant return to Newport after their almost legendary TJ's in the Park gig, The Damned return to play on Wednesday.

Captain Sensible and his punk rock pioneers have never been so influential, and with the ska-punk sound already well on the way to being the next big thing, their relevance has never been more important.

Whether you are some neophyte teenage punk looking for some musical roots or just a fan from the days of the classic Damned Damned Damned, TJ's on Wednesday has to be the place to be. Call Rockaway or TJ's for further details as to price and times.

And if you are looking for evidence of the Damned's growing influence on the music scene then look no further than the following night's line up.

Buck-o-Nine are one of the bands who sum up what the ska punk fuss is all about. The San Diego seven-piece, have a three-man horn section, and are centred on the bass playing of founder Scott Kennedy. Their late 70s punk and pub rock influences are plain to hear.

A far more interesting show should come via the support band, King Prawn, once dubbed 'the most dangerous band in Britain' by Kerrang.

And it's easy to see why. Sounding like 'Rage Against the Machine on helium' according to the Dead Kennedy's, King Prawn's guarantee an eccentric captivating live show.

The music is pretty standard - new wave, ska-punk, hardcore, but combined with their madcap on-stage antics, which has seen them joined by a naked man wearing only a bullet belt, it makes an explosive mix.

And keep an eye on bass player, Barbar Luck, whose says his first memory in life is his backside being on fire - it will be weird and wonderful, and entry is £7 advance and £8 on the door. Tickets from Hitman in Newport, Spillers in Cardiff.

And on the same night, if you cannot afford TJ's, Le Pub has The Benjamins playing their Weezer-esque poppy alt-punk for free.

And there is plenty on in the Cardiff venues over the week, with Melys and Derrero in Barfly on Saturday, and Mountain Men Anonymous playing the same venue on Monday.

Finally, Sunday night's Cannibal Corpse gig at TJ's, which was cancelled, is now back on thanks to a new promoter. Tickets are £9 on the door.

* In the picture: Captain Sensible of The Damned