The Damned's Brian James: A Punk Legend Passes On
Wow. I’m still reeling. Brian James, the founding guitarist and main songwriter for The Damned, is gone. He was 70. The news broke on his Facebook page on March 6th, 2025, and it hit the UK punk scene like a ton of bricks. A true pioneer, a real gentleman, and a massive talent. It feels surreal.
From Hammersmith to Punk Royalty
Born in Hammersmith, London, in 1955, Brian’s musical journey started in his early twenties with London SS, a proto-punk band. Think of it as a punk incubator – future members of The Clash and Generation X were in the mix. That’s where he met the core members of The Damned: Dave Vanian (vocals), Captain Sensible (bass), and Rat Scabies (drums). They were playing together in a band called Masters of the Backside before forming The Damned. Chrissie Hynde also played with the band for a time, but she wasn’t part of the original lineup. In June 1976, the four of them – Vanian, Sensible, Scabies, and Brian – exploded onto the scene opening for the Sex Pistols at the legendary 100 Club. It was electric.
The Damned's Unstoppable Rise
The Damned weren’t just *in* the punk scene, they were *defining* it. Remember, October 1976? They released "New Rose," becoming the first UK punk band to put out a single, a full five weeks before the Sex Pistols' "Anarchy in the UK." That's insane, right? And it wasn’t a one-off. They were also the first UK punk band with a studio album (Damned Damned Damned in 1977), and the first to tour the US. Author Ian Winwood even credits them with kickstarting the West Coast hardcore punk scene. Pretty impressive legacy. Almost all of the songs on their first two albums were penned by Brian. He was the driving force behind their sound.
Beyond The Damned: A Life in Music
Music for Pleasure came out in 1977. Critically, it didn’t quite hit the mark, and The Damned went on a bit of a hiatus. But Brian? He didn’t stop. He played with Iggy Pop, released solo singles (with Stewart Copeland of The Police on drums!), and co-founded The Lords of the New Church with Stiv Bators. Throughout the decades, he stayed incredibly active, reforming The Damned for various tours—most recently in 2022. His passion for music was infectious, a true testament to his dedication to the art form.
A Legacy of Sound and Kindness
The tributes pouring in are incredible – from fellow musicians and fans alike. Everyone's talking about his talent, his originality, and how incredibly kind he was. Captain Sensible’s message on X was particularly touching, emphasizing Brian’s vital role in creating The Damned and fueling the punk revolution. His death is a huge loss for the music world. It’s a reminder that even legends are not invincible. His influence on punk and music in general will continue to resonate for years to come, inspiring generations of musicians. He will be deeply missed.
