Brian James, renowned for his pioneering role in British punk music, passed away at the age of 70.
Deadline reported that James, the founding guitarist behind the legendary punk band The Damned, has died, leaving a significant legacy in the music industry.
Born into the burgeoning punk scene, Brian James established himself as a substantial figure by forming The Damned, a group that would come to influence countless musicians and fans alike.
Alongside members Dave Vanian, Captain Sensible, and Rat Scabies, James helped propel the band into the spotlight with their high-energy performances and unique sound.
The Damned quickly made musical history by releasing "New Rose" in October 1976, credited as the first British punk single. This groundbreaking track set the stage for the punk movement and even preceded The Sex Pistols' famous "Anarchy in the UK."
Further cementing their place in music history, The Damned released their debut album, "Damned Damned Damned," in March 1977.
This album not only captured the raw energy of punk but also marked a significant commercial success by being the first punk album to chart in the UK.
The album featured several hits that helped define the era's sound and influenced many other bands. One such track, "Love Song," became the band's first hit single in the UK in 1979, underlining their growing popularity.
"Damned Damned Damned" emerged on Stiff Records and led the band to release a total of nine more albums that would chart in the UK, showing the enduring appeal of their music over the years.
The band's iconic song "Eloise" soared to No. 3 on the UK charts in 1986, becoming one of their most successful singles. Beyond their albums and singles, The Damned's music also found its way into popular culture, featuring in films and TV shows like "Miami Vice," "That ’70s Show," and "The Simpsons."
Their influence was further immortalized in the 2015 documentary "The Damned: Don’t You Wish That We Were Dead," which explored their 40-year history and impact on the music industry.
Despite not charting in the U.S., The Damned continued to resonate with audiences worldwide, leading to their eventual reunion and subsequent tours in the late '80s and early '90s.
After The Damned initially disbanded in 1978, Brian James did not pause in his musical journey. He joined forces with Stiv Bators, drummer Nick Turner, and bassist Dave Tregunna to form The Lords of the New Church.
This new assembly also saw significant acclaim, particularly in the U.S., where their album "The Method to Our Madness" charted on the Billboard 200 in 1984. Moreover, their unique cover of Madonna's "Like a Virgin" in 1985 garnered success on the UK's indie chart.
The group became known for their distinctive take on various classics, such as Creedence Clearwater Revival's "Hey Tonight," which was produced by Steven Van Zandt, but disbanded in 1989 after a dramatic concert incident.
Brian James's influence on punk and rock music remains indelible, enriched by his creativity, passion, and pioneering spirit. His death was confirmed by his family in a touching Facebook post, sparking an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow musicians who admired his contribution to music.