During the late 1970s, he collaborated with Captain Sensible on numerous projects. In 1980, James formed the rockabilly band The Lords of the New Church with Stiv Bators of the Dead Boys. Later in his career, he performed solo under the name Brian James Gang and produced several albums for other artists.
Guitar playing style:
Known for his distinct guitar style, James is recognized for his melodic and expressive playing, often utilizing various techniques such as string bending and vibrato. His guitar playing in The Damned displayed a diverse range of influences, from punk to rockabilly and early British rock and roll.
Influences:
Brian James has cited various musical influences on his guitar playing and songwriting. These include the early works of The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, and American rockabilly artists such as Elvis Presley and Gene Vincent.
Equipment:
Throughout his career, James has used various guitars, including Fender Telecaster and Stratocaster models. He is known to use several vintage guitars and boutique effects pedals to achieve his signature sound.
Other projects:
Beyond his work with The Damned and The Lords of the New Church, Brian James has been involved in various other musical projects. He recorded and released several solo albums, including "Lust Factor" (1982) and "Loud, Fast & Out of Control" (1983). Additionally, he has produced albums for various artists, including The Cramps, The Gun Club, and The Fuzztones.
Later career:
In more recent years, Brian James has continued to perform and record both as a solo artist and with his band The Brian James Gang. He has also contributed as a session musician to various projects and reunited briefly with The Damned on several occasions.