Brian James, founding member of THE DAMNED, passes away

It has been revealed that Brian James, a founding member of THE DAMNED, passed away on March 6th.

His statement on social media is as follows:

　
We are pleased to announce the death of Brian James, a true pioneer in the music world, guitarist, songwriter and true gentleman, with great sadness.
Brian, a founding member of THE DAMNED and author of UK’s first punk single, “New Rose,” was the leading songwriter for the band’s debut album, “Damned Damned Damned,” which was released in February 1977. Brian, who left THE DAMNED after the release of his second album, Music For Pleasure (produced by Nick Mason), formed the short-lived TANZ DER YOUTH, and later formed THE LORDS OF THE NEW CHURCH with his friend and fellow rocker Stiv Bators.
Riding the wave of excitement from twin powers of Brian James and Stiv Bators, THE LORDS OF THE NEW CHURCH successfully completed three studio albums, producing singles such as “Open Your Eyes,” “Dance With Me,” and “Method To My Madness.” Always sought new challenges and enthusiastic about collaborating with various musicians, Brian formed THE DRIPPING LIPS and guested on various records for the next few years, and formed THE BRIAN JAMES GANG and worked on solo albums.
Continuingly creativity and delivering masterpieces, Brian has worked on film and television soundtracks in his over 60 years of career, in addition to THE DAMNED and THE LORDS OF THE NEW CHURCH, as well as film and television soundtracks, and has worked with many of the pinnacles of punk and rock and roll, from Iggy Pop to Wayne Kramer, Stewart Copeland to Cheetah Chrome. More than 40 years after the release of the epoch-making New Rose, the original members of THE DAMNED have been reunited in 2022 for a series of special and moving British shows.
With his wife Minna, son Charlie and daughter-in-law Alicia at his side, Brian quietly passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025.