Sad news from the world of punk rock today – Brian James, founding guitarist of The Damned and writer of the legendary track “New Rose”, has died at the age of 70.
James, born Brian Robertson, carved his name into music history back in 1976 when The Damned released “New Rose”, often hailed as the first-ever UK punk single. Fast, furious, and dripping with raw energy, the track was a blueprint for a movement that would shake Britain to its core.
Without James’ snarling riffs and chaotic stage presence, The Damned may never have kick-started their trailblazing career – one that still thrives to this day. Though he left the band after their early years, his influence never faded. Punk fans and fellow musicians alike still credit him as one of the true architects of the genre.
Tributes are already pouring in across social media, with fans calling him “the riff machine that lit the fuse” and “the forgotten godfather of UK punk guitar.”
James’ contribution to The Damned’s debut album Damned Damned Damned remains untouchable – a record that didn’t just capture a moment in time, but blew the doors off the establishment.
Raise a pint, spin “New Rose” loud, and remember Brian James the way he’d want: with amps cranked, chaos in the air, and punk rock refusing to die.
Rest in riffs, Brian. 🤘
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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