Punk Pioneer Brian James, Founding Guitarist of The Damned, Passes Away at 70

Brian James, the founding guitarist of The Damned and a key figure in the early UK punk scene, has passed away at the age of 70. James was instrumental in shaping the band’s sound, writing their debut single ‘New Rose,’ which is considered the first UK punk single, and contributing to their 1977 album ‘Damned Damned Damned.’

A spokesperson for Easy Action Records confirmed his passing, stating that he died peacefully with his family by his side. His former bandmate, Captain Sensible, paid tribute to him, calling him a ‘riffmeister’ and an ‘absolute gent’ who played a crucial role in the band’s history. A statement on James’ Facebook page described him as a ‘true pioneer of music’ and praised his lasting influence.

James left The Damned after their second album, later forming The Lords Of The New Church and working on various solo projects. He reunited with The Damned for a special show in 2022, recreating their original ’76 garage punk sound. The band’s upcoming concert in Sao Paulo, Brazil, will be dedicated to his memory. His contributions to punk music remain a significant part of the genre’s legacy.