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

The National - Matt Berninger The National in concert at Castlefield Bowl, Manchester, UK - 04 Jul 2024

The National’s Matt Berninger Shares New Track Off Solo Album

Matt Berninger, the eminent frontman of The National, is carving a distinct path with his solo musical endeavors, which include…

Brad Arnold of the band 3 Doors Down performs at Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre on Saturday, June 17, 2023, in Tinley Park, Ill. 3 Doors Down, with Candlebox, in concert, Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, Illinois, USA - 17 Jun 2023

Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down is Diagnosed With Stage 4 Kidney Cancer

Brad Arnold, the lead singer of the rock band 3 Doors Down, has publicly announced through a heartfelt video on…

LEFT PHOTO: CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons RIGHT PHOTO: CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Tool’s Adam Jones Performs for WWE Wrestler Penta’s New Entrance

In an exciting and dynamic crossover between the worlds of professional wrestling and heavy metal music, WWE wrestler Penta, also…

Rock band: The Who - lead vocalist Roger Daltrey, guitarist Pete Townshend, and drummer Keith Moon VARIOUS

The Who Teases Upcoming ‘The Song is Over’ Project

The renowned rock band The Who has once again captivated their audience with an intriguing announcement of their new project,…

Soundgarden - Chris Cornell SoundGarden In Concert, Whisky a Go Go, Los Angeles, USA - 07 Dec 1989

Soundgarden Plans to Release Last Album With Late Frontman, Chris Cornell

Soundgarden, one of the pioneering bands of the grunge movement, is moving forward with plans to release a final album…

LEFT PHOTO: 2005 Lollapalooza Day 2 Nathan Jerde of the Ponys RIGHT PHOTO: 2005 Lollapalooza Day 2 Nathan Jerde of the Ponys

Drummer, Nathan Jerde of The Ponys Has Died

Nathan Jerde, the talented drummer for the Chicago indie-rock band The Ponys, has passed away, leaving a significant void in…

Svenska: Katatonia på Grammisgalan på Cirkus, Stockholm den 20 februari 2013. Date 20 February 2013

Katatonia Unveils New Single ‘Temporal’

Swedish melancholic metal band Katatonia has once again captivated their audience with the release of their second single, “Temporal,” from…

Parkway Drive in concert @ Download Festival England 16.06.24 2024 Download Festival, Day 3, Donington Park, Leicestershire, UK - 16 Jun 2024

Parkway Drive Shares First New Single In Three Years

Australia’s renowned metalcore band, Parkway Drive, has returned with their latest single, “Sacred,” a musical piece that exudes both power…

Entertainer Jay-Z stands on the sideline with daughters Blue Ivy (L) and Rumi before the Philadelphia Eagles defeat the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Super Bowl Lix, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States - 09 Feb 2025

Jay-Z Claims Accuser is Still Making ‘Malicious’ Statements

Jay-Z, a renowned musician and entrepreneur, is currently embroiled in a legal battle that has brought significant economic and reputational…