Brian James, Founding Guitarist of The Damned, Passes Away at 70
Brian James, the influential guitarist and key songwriter behind the UK punk band The Damned, has died at the age of 70. The announcement was made via a statement on his official Facebook page, which described him as a "pioneer & true gentleman." As of now, the specific cause of his death has not been disclosed.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born in Hammersmith, London in 1955, James was introduced to the music scene in his early twenties through the proto-punk band London SS. This group was a precursor to several key punk bands, including The Clash and Generation X. It was during this time that he forged important relationships with musicians who would later become his bandmates in The Damned, including vocalist Dave Vanian, bassist Captain Sensible, and drummer Rat Scabies. Their first performance as The Damned took place in June 1976 at the legendary 100 Club, where they opened for the Sex Pistols.
Pioneering Contributions to Punk Rock
In October 1976, just weeks before the Sex Pistols released their seminal track “Anarchy in the UK,” The Damned made history with the release of their debut single, “New Rose.” This milestone marked them as the first UK punk band to release a single, setting a benchmark in the punk genre. James and The Damned continued to break new ground, becoming the first of the punk bands to release a studio album, Damned Damned Damned, in 1977. They were also the first UK punk band to tour the United States, paving the way for future punk rock acts. Music author Ian Winwood credited The Damned’s fast-paced music for stimulating the West Coast hardcore punk scene.
Throughout late 1976, The Damned gained notoriety, even touring with the Sex Pistols, although their partnership ended abruptly when they were dismissed by Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren before they could complete the tour.
The Songwriting Legacy and Career Developments
James was the principal songwriter for The Damned’s first two albums, contributing to the band’s distinctive sound. However, after their second album, Music for Pleasure, received a lukewarm response from critics in 1977, The Damned temporarily disbanded. James then pursued a variety of musical projects, including playing guitar for Iggy Pop’s touring band. He released two solo singles in 1979 and 1982, with both featuring Stewart Copeland of The Police on drums.
In the early ’80s, he co-founded The Lords of the New Church alongside American punk rocker Stiv Bators, releasing three studio albums between 1982 and 1989.
Reunions and Recent Years
The original members of The Damned reunited for two notable performances in 1988. James also released a self-titled solo debut album in 1990 on New Rose Records, named in part after his iconic song “New Rose.” He remained active in the music scene throughout the 2000s and 2010s, culminating in his last performances with Vanian, Sensible, and Scabies in 2022.
Significance of Brian James’s Legacy
Brian James’s contributions to the punk genre and the music industry are profound. As a pioneering figure, he played a critical role in shaping the sound and direction of early UK punk. His innovative songwriting and guitar work have influenced countless artists and continue to resonate in contemporary music. The Damned’s achievements not only set a precedent within punk rock but also opened doors for many budding musicians looking to carve their path in the industry.
The news of James’s passing marks a significant moment in music history, not only for fans of The Damned but for the larger punk community. His legacy as a founder of one of the genre’s first and most influential bands ensures that his impact will be remembered for years to come.
For those wishing to honor his memory through music, The Damned’s discography is available for streaming, capturing the spirit of a guitarist who helped define a movement.
