Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Brian James, Founding Guitarist of the Damned, Dies Aged 70

Man Alive!, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Man Alive!, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Brian James, the renowned guitarist of the Damned and a pivotal figure in the punk rock movement, has passed away at the age of 70. James was born in London in 1955 and quickly established himself as a musical force through his involvement in various bands. His early career saw him joining the proto-punk band London SS, which did not achieve widespread acclaim but was crucial in laying the groundwork for the UK punk scene. This band was a significant breeding ground for musicians who would later contribute to pioneering bands such as The Clash and The Damned, which Brian James co-founded.

The Damned was groundbreaking in the history of British punk music. They were the first UK punk band to release a single, “New Rose”, in October 1976, which predated the Sex Pistols' Anarchy in the UK by several weeks. James was instrumental in shaping the band's sound, infusing it with fast tempos and intense energy, elements that became defining traits of punk rock. Their debut album, Damned Damned Damned, followed in February 1977, featuring songs primarily written by James himself, further cementing his influence on the genre.

Despite internal challenges and the pressures of their rapid rise to fame, Brian's contribution to the Damned's second album, Music for Pleasure, did not go unnoticed, although it was met with less enthusiasm than their debut. The album's lackluster reception led to the band's temporary disbandment, and James chose not to return during their reunion. Instead, he pursued other musical ventures, forming the Lords of the New Church with fellow punk rock legend Stiv Bators and later engaging in solo projects and collaborations with artists like Iggy Pop and Stewart Copeland of The Police.

James’s influence extended beyond The Damned. His musical journey included activities with Tanz Der Youth and The Dripping Lips, as well as contributions to film and television soundtracks, showcasing his versatility and enduring creative spirit. James continued to be a creative force in the music industry, even rejoining the original lineup of The Damned for special performances in 1988 and again in 2022, much to the delight of fans.

Throughout his career, James remained an emblem of punk rock's irreverent spirit and innovation. His songwriting not only defined The Damned’s early sounds but also influenced countless punk rock bands that emerged in the late '70s and beyond. He is remembered not only for his musical prowess but also for his deep connection with the punk ethos, one that valued authenticity and exuberant self-expression.

 

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Dave Grohl from the US rock band 'Foo Fighters' performs at The Town 2023 music festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil, 09 September 2023. The Town 2023 music festival in Sao Paulo, Brazil - 09 Sep 2023

Foo Fighters Release New Song ‘Today’s Song’

The Foo Fighters are commemorating their 30th anniversary with the release of a compelling new single, “Today’s Song.” This track…

P DIDDY MTV AWARDS, BARCELONA, SPAIN - 14 NOV 2002

Sean “Diddy” Combs Guilty of Prostitution Charges, But Not of Racketeering & Sex Trafficking

Sean “Diddy” Combs, a towering figure in the hip-hop industry, recently faced a legal battle that captured widespread media and…

Bret Michaels performs during the Parti-Gras Holiday celebration at The Pompano Beach Amphitheater, Pompano Beach, Florida, USA - 07 Dec 2024 Parti-Gras Holiday celebration at The Pompano Beach Amphitheater, Pompano Beach, Florida, USA - 07 Dec 2024

Bret Michaels Changes Tour Schedule After Health Scare

Bret Michaels, the iconic frontman of the rock band Poison, recently faced a challenging health scare that has caused a…

Rob Halford lead of the British band Judas Priest performing on stage as part of the Monster of Rock Tour at Mexico City Arena. on May 4, 2025 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Carlos Santiago/ Eyepix Group) Judas Priest and Opeth 'Monster of Rock' Concert, Mexico City, Mexico - 04 May 2025

Judas Priest Covers Black Sabbath’s ‘War Pigs’

Judas Priest, a pioneering force in the heavy metal genre, recently paid homage to their fellow Birmingham natives, Black Sabbath,…

Aerosmith, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry in Sao Paulo, Brazil - Jan 1994 VARIOUS

Joe Perry Opens Up About Possibility of Final Aerosmith Concert

Joe Perry, the legendary guitarist from Aerosmith, has sparked discussions about a possible reunion for a final show. Despite announcing…

Irish musician Bono of the band U2 performs in Khreshatyk metro station in Kyiv (Kiev), Ukraine, 08 May 2022, to support Ukraine in the conflict with Russia. Western countries have responded with various sets of sanctions against Russian state majority owned companies and interests in a bid to bring an end to the conflict. Russian troops entered Ukraine on 24 February, resulting in fighting and destruction in the country. Irish musician Bono of U2 performs in metro station in Kyiv, Ukraine - 08 May 2022

Bono Slams Trump’s Gutting of USAID

In a significant and emotional discourse, former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush along with U2’s lead singer Bono…

LEFT PHOTO: Dwayne Johnson, 'Moana 2' film premiere, London, UK - 24 Nov 2024 RIGHT PHOTO: Jelly Roll, 60th Academy of Country Music Awards, Arrivals, Frisco, Texas, USA - 08 May 2025

The Rock Finally Hugs Jelly Roll After Singer’s Music Helped Him Through Dark Times

In an inspiring tale of friendship and the power of music, Hollywood actor Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and country singer…

Green Day - Billie Joe Armstrong KROQ ALMOST ACCOUSTIC CHRISTMAS CONCERT, DAY TWO, LOS ANGELES, AMERICA - 12 DEC 2004

Green Day Fan Invited On Stage to Play ‘Good Riddance,’ But Plays ‘Wonderwall’ Instead

In what seemed like a routine Green Day concert in Luxembourg on June 30, 2025, an unexpected twist turned the…

Scooter Braun arrives on the red carpet at the NY special screening event for Amazon Prime's upcoming doc Justin Bieber: Our World Special Screening in New York, United States - 14 Sep 2021

Scooter Braun Steps Down as CEO of HYBE America

Scooter Braun, a prominent figure in the music industry known for managing stars like Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, is…