Damned founder member Brian James has died

Hot Press is saddened by the death aged 70 of Brian James, a founding member of The Damned who released what's regarded as being the first UK punk single in 1976, 'New Rose'. Written by the guitarist, it remains a classic of the genre with Blondie and Guns N Roses among those who've covered it.

"We're shocked to hear that creator of The Damned, our great chum Brian James has sadly gone," Captain Sensible says. "A lovely bloke that I feel so lucky to have met all those years ago and for some reason chose me to help in his quest for the music revolution that became known as punk."

Before linking up with Dave Vanian, Rat Scabies and Captain Sensible, the Londoner was a member of glam band Bastard – strangely, they never got much airplay – and proto-punks London SS.

Due to internal wrangles, James left The Damned in 1977 to start his own band, Tanz De Youth, and then joined up with Sonic Boys singer Stiv Bators in Lords Of The New Church.

We have very fond memories of the 2000 gig in Whelan's which found Brian kicking out the jams with Wayne Kramer, Mani and Clem Burke as part of Kramer's Mad For The Racket pick-up group.

Damned fans were in raptures in 2021 when the original lineup reconvened for an incendiary series of gigs.

Here are some of the tributes which are being paid to him:

We're shocked to hear that creator of @thedamned, our great chum Brian James has sadly gone. A lovely bloke that I feel so lucky to have met all those years ago and for some reason chose me to help in his quest for the music revolution that became known as punk. Cheers BJ! 🌹 pic.twitter.com/HuLdyMvI3z

— Captain Sensible (@CaptainSensible) March 7, 2025

Really sad. Brian James era Damned were stunning! They were absolutely VITAL! New Rose was a shock to the system. 1st LP is faultless- great songs, great energy, and Brian’s guitar was wild! Every show I saw at Eric’s was incredibly powerful and intense. Revere Brian James RIP.🌹

— Pete Wylie is WAH!🌟 (@petewylie) March 6, 2025

Farewell Brian James

He was right there and helped light the blue touch paper of punk

🌹

pic.twitter.com/dhPVMho23S

— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) March 7, 2025

Brian James wrote the first British punk song New Rose in 1976 for his band The Damned.
Still the most exciting opening 11 notes in pop music.
"Is she really going out with him?
Dah dah dah daaahhh dah da dah da dah da da pic.twitter.com/Y2b1NISPhj

— Liz Kershaw (@LizKershawDJ) March 7, 2025

Sad news today about Brian James’ untimely passing.
Great memories of touring the States together on Iggy’s ‘79 tour where he brought the house down every night with his solo on Set ‘em up Joe. RIP matey. pic.twitter.com/eGGyvuVAie

— Glen Matlock (@GlenMatlock) March 7, 2025