LONDON: Dublin Castle

Monday 2nd March, 2020

7:30pm

Event information

RNR Book Club: Brian James, Bastard, The Damned, Lords Of The New Church And More, The Authorized Biography -

This book presents the life and career of one of music’s most pioneering, and far too often under-appreciated, guitarists and songwriters, Brian James. From his days as a youngster, cutting his teeth in blues and rock ‘n’ roll cover bands, Brian created the uncompromising Bastard. Playing briefly with London SS, he then formed the Damned. It was with the Damned that he wrote the UK’s first ever punk single, ‘New Rose’. What followed was the first ever UK punk album, ‘Damned Damned Damned’.

He went on to form the “transmagical” Tanz Der Youth, before being handpicked by Iggy Pop to join his live touring band, and a brief stint playing with The Stranglers' JJ Burnel on his solo Euroman Cometh album. With the enigmatic Stiv Bators, he created the Lords of the New Church and released three studio albums. The book also details his other bands, the Hellions, Brian James Brains and the Brian James Gang, in addition to a slew of solo projects.

Rat Scabies (the Damned), “It wasn’t even a choice with Brian, this was just how he was. There was no wearing different clothes during the day and then different clothes when you went out. Brian’s thing was that he wanted to look good all the time, not just putting it on but much more, “This is me; this is what I am and that’s how the world is going to see it.””
Dave Treganna (the Lords of the New Church), “He is non-compromising, “This is me, this is what you get. This is my guitar, these are my songs. This is how I do it. If you don’t like it, fuck off.” And I like that attitude"
Stewart Copeland (the Police), “The Damned were one of the most kick-ass of all the punk groups. They really made an impact; Rat Scabies blasting away at those drums, pushing the group forward and Brian just had all the right chords, and of course the Captain and Dave.”

The normal team of Julie Hamill and Tony Bugbear provide the Q And A, book signing, B James roots, shoots, fruits and cahoots DJ Set ..that's all in place tonight, and maybe a full panel with author John Wombat on hand to help steer the tiller too...a must attend event for all serious punk rock fans.