By Monk

Brian James, original guitarist with The Damned, has died at the age of 70.

A founding member of the band, James is credited with writing ‘New Rose’, regarded as the ÜK’s first punk single. After leaving The Damned following the release of their second album, ‘Music For Pleasure’, he formed The Lords Of The New Church with Stiv Bators.

Over the years he played with the likes of Iggy Pop and Wayne Kramer. He reunited with his former bandmates in 2022 to mark the 45th anniversary of the release of the ‘Damned Damned Damned’ album.

He died on Thursday (6 March) with his wife Minna, son Charlie and daughter-in-law Alicia by his side.