Panniere punk guitarist Brian James, who co-founded Damned, passed away Thursday at the age of 70.
The death of the talented musician was confirmed on his Facebook page.
“It is a great sadness to announce the death of one of the true pioneers of music, guitarist, songwriter, true gentleman, Brian James,” the statement read. “A writer of the first ever British punk single, New Rose and founding member of Damned, Brian was the leading songwriter for the band’s debut album, “Damned Damned Damned Damned,” released in February 1977. ”
The cause of James’ death was not mentioned, but the statement said he was “too peaceful.” His wife Minna, son Charlie and daughter-in-law Alicia were by his side at the time.
After parting with The Damned, James founded Tanz der Youth, and later formed the lord of the new church, along with his friend and fellow locker, Stiv Bators. Together they released three well-received studio albums, including “Open Your Eyes,” “Dance With Me,” and “Methow to My Madness.”
Damned tour vans were parked outside a French supermarket in October 1977. LRBrianJames, tour manager for the band Laurie Vanian. (Photo: Erica Echenberg/Redferns) Getty Images
“I’ve always been looking for new challenges and wanted to work with a variety of musicians. After that, Brian has formed lip-dripping lips, guested on various records, created the Brian James gang and worked on solo albums,” the statement said.
An inspiring social media tribute described James as “a constantly creative and musical tour deforce,” and welcomed her long musical career of over six years.
I’m shocked to hear about the creator @thedamnedour great Cham Brian James sadly left. A lovely Broke that I find so lucky to meet many years ago, and chose me to help me explore the musical revolution that somehow became known as punk. Cheers BJ! 🌹 pic.twitter.com/huldymvi3z
– Captain Sensible (@captainsensible) March 7, 2025
In addition to his live shows and recorded music, James has created music for film and television soundtracks, “from Iggypop to Wayne Craymer to Stewart Copeland to Cheeter Chrome, and a wealth of punk and rock and roll,” the statement read.
The talented musician has long been considered one of the greats of punk music and is remembered as the first writer of a British punk single.
James’ former The Damned Bandmate, Captain Sensable (Raymond Burns), shared a heartfelt message on X on Thursday.
In October 1977, they rehearsed with a new French lineup. LR Dave Vanian, Captain Sensable, Dave Burke, Brian James, and Lou Edmonds (woman in a stiff record t-shirt). (Photo: Erica Echenberg/Redferns) Getty Images
“We’re shocked to hear the creator of @Thedamned. A lovely Broke I think I’m so lucky to meet many years ago, and chose me to help me explore the musical revolution that somehow became known as punk. Cheers BJ!” he wrote. (Related: 65-year-old famous rock guitarist John Sykes has died)
Fans and fellow artists continue to live in social media with their loving messages in honor of James and the incredible legacy he has left behind.
