Brian James — the founding guitarist of the Damned, the first punk band from the UK to release a single and an album, as well as to tour the US — has died. He was 70.
No cause of death has been reported at this time. The news that he died peacefully yesterday (March 6) with his wife Minna, son Charlie and daughter-in-law Alicia by his side was shared by the musician's family via James's official Facebook page.
"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," they wrote. You can read the full statement below.
Born Brian Robertson, the guitarist played in numerous proto-punk bands like the Subterraneans and London SS, as well as glam rock act Bastard, before forming the Damned in 1976 with vocalist Dave Vanian, bassist Captain Sensible and drummer Rat Scabbies. James wrote their debut single "New Rose," and was the primary songwriter on the band's first album Damned Damned Damned. He left the band following the release of 1977 sophomore record Music for Pleasure.
James went on to form Tanz Der Youth, who toured with Black Sabbath in 1979. The musician also performed in Iggy Pop's touring band, and formed the supergroup Lords of the New Church with Stiv Bators (the Dead Boys), Dave Tregunna (Sham 69) and Nick Turner (the Barracudas) in 1981. They released three albums before disbanding in 1989.