Brian James dead: Founder of The Damned dies aged 70 (Image: GETTY)
Legendary punk rock The Damned guitarist Brian James has sadly died aged 70. It has been reported the musician died today as tributes have poured in for the rocker.
A statement on Facebook posted to his account read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of one of the true pioneers of music, guitarist, songwriter, and true gentleman, Brian James.
“Founding member of The Damned, writer of the first ever UK punk single, New Rose, Brian was the principal songwriter of the band’s debut album, Damned Damned Damned, which was released in February 1977.
“Parting ways with the Damned following the release of their second album, the Nick Mason-produced Music for Pleasure, Brian created the short-lived Tanz Der Youth, before he formed The Lords of the New Church with his friend and fellow rocker Stiv Bators.
“In a wave of excitement, headed by the twin powers of Brian James and Stiv Bators, three successful studio albums followed for The Lord of the New Church, spawning singles such as Open Your Eyes, Dance with Me, and Method to My Madness.
Brian James was a guitarist for The Damned (Image: Getty)
“Always looking for new challenges and keen to work with different musicians, over the years that followed, Brian formed The Dripping Lips and guested on different records, while creating the Brian James Gang and working on his solo albums.
“Incessantly creative and a musical tour de force, over a career which spanned more than six decades, with his music also gracing film and television soundtracks, in addition to The Damned and The Lords of the New Church, Brian worked with a plethora of punk and rock ‘n’ roll’s finest, from Iggy Pop to Wayne Kramer, Stewart Copeland to Cheetah Chrome.
“Most recently, more than four decades after the release of the epoch-making New Rose, the original members of The Damned reformed for a series of very special and emotional UK shows in 2022.
“With his wife Minna, son Charlie, and daughter-in-law Alicia by his side, Brian passed peacefully on Thursday 6 th March 2025.”
Brian James (second L) pictured with his band (Image: Getty)
Tributes have poured in for the rocker on social media as one wrote: “Oh no man. Another icon gone. RIP Brian James. New Rose riff forever #TheDamned.”
Another shared: “Absolutely gutted just found out Brian James of the damned has passed away sad news may he rest in peace.”
A third penned: “Oh my youth is disappearing. Goodbye Brian James.”
Brian was globally recognised for his role in the band Damned, and the writer of the first ever UK punk single.
He is survived by wife Minna, son Charlie, and daughter-in-law Alicia.