Brian James, Pioneering Guitarist of The Damned, Dies at 70

James, who wrote the first UK punk single 'New Rose,' passed away peacefully with his family by his side.

Brian James, founding guitarist of The Damned and a key figure in the UK punk movement, has died at the age of 70.
James co-wrote and performed on The Damned's groundbreaking debut single 'New Rose,' widely regarded as the first UK punk single, released in 1976.
He played a pivotal role in shaping The Damned's early sound and wrote most of the songs on their first two albums, including the influential 'Damned Damned Damned.'
After leaving The Damned in 1977, James went on to co-found The Lords of the New Church and collaborated with artists like Iggy Pop, Stewart Copeland, and Wayne Kramer.
James reunited with The Damned's original lineup for shows in 1988 and again in 2022, celebrating the legacy of the band he helped create.