Brian James, the legendary co-founding guitarist of The Damned, has passed away at the age of 70, a loss confirmed by his family on March 6. Brian was an instrumental figure in the early days of the band, serving as the lead songwriter and crafting their groundbreaking 1977 track “New Rose.” This iconic single is celebrated as the first-ever British punk release, influencing countless artists and genres. Notably, the renowned band Guns N’ Roses paid tribute to this classic by covering it on their 1993 album, “The Spaghetti Incident?”.

Following the launch of their second album, Music for Pleasure, in November 1977—just ten months after their debut LP, Damned Damned Damned—James departed from the band. However, he made a return during the late ’80s and early ’90s, and once again in 2022, showcasing his enduring connection to the punk rock scene. James’ legacy will undoubtedly live on through his influential music and the unmistakable impact he had on the genre.

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His family expressed their profound sorrow, stating, “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of one of the true pioneers of music. Incessantly creative and a musical tour de force, Brian enjoyed a remarkable career spanning over six decades. He collaborated with numerous legends of punk and rock ’n’ roll, including Iggy Pop, Wayne Kramer, Stewart Copeland, and Cheetah Chrome, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.

“More recently, more than four decades after the release of the epoch-making ‘New Rose,’ the original lineup of The Damned reunited for a series of unforgettable and emotional shows across the UK in 2022. Surrounded by his loving wife Minna, son Charlie, and daughter-in-law Alicia, Brian passed away peacefully, leaving behind a rich musical legacy.”

After his time with The Damned, James formed Tanz Der Youth before teaming up with American vocalist Stiv Bators to create The Lords of the New Church, who released five critically acclaimed albums in the early ’80s. Additionally, James pursued a solo career, releasing five solo albums between 1990 and 2015, showcasing his versatility and enduring passion for music.

Reflecting on his career, James shared in a 2023 interview with In Your Eyes, “I count myself lucky to have been in the right place at the right time with people who shared a similar attitude. It’s fortunate that our music sounds great and remains relevant four decades later, and I’m grateful I wasn’t stuck with something I despised.”

He continued, “Working with diverse musicians has always brought me joy. The Damned was a fantastic experience filled with fun and a shared passion for music and attitude.” Furthermore, he remarked, “It’s incredible that musicians and artists have drawn inspiration over the past 40 years from a handful of trouble-makers brimming with attitude. That’s certainly worth celebrating!”

Captain Sensible Shares Heartfelt Memories of Reunion with Brian James

Captain Sensible, the co-founding bassist of The Damned, who later took over James’ position, offered a touching tribute: “The riffmeister, Brian has gone… While it’s truly awful that our friend has been taken from us, I prefer to celebrate the extraordinary life he led. And what a remarkable life it was for Brian James!”

He recounted how he would never have considered switching from guitar to bass for anyone else until he met James. “BJ had an electrifying technique and a collection of adrenaline-fueled songs ready to unleash,” he explained. “I feel incredibly fortunate that he chose me because I had no backup plan if my music career didn’t pan out.”

He further reflected, “[W]hat an absolute gentleman Brian was. Despite having to endure some less-than-stellar behavior from me at times, he never lost his cool. Whenever we crossed paths in the following decades, we would share a drink and have a fantastic laugh.”

Sensible described their recent reunion as “magical in every sense—reconnecting as friends was wonderful; but we also managed to recreate our ’76 garage punk sound effortlessly from the very first chord in rehearsals. We were all enthusiastic about doing it again; sadly, that opportunity will never come now.”

He confirmed that the band’s show in São Paulo, Brazil, scheduled for tonight (March 7), would be dedicated to James and his invaluable contributions to music, stating, “Without him, The Damned would never have existed.”

Watch The Damned Perform ‘New Rose’