London SS
| Company type | Rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | March 1975 |
| Founder | Geir Waade, John Brown, Mick Jones, Eunan Brady |
| Headquarters | London , United Kingdom |
| Products | Music recordings, live performances |
London SS is a British rock ensemble formed in March 1975 by drummer Geir Waade, bassist John Brown, and guitarists Mick Jones and Eunan Brady (previously with the Hollywood Brats). The group became associated with the nascent punk rock movement as the Sex Pistols gained attention in early 1976. In 2012, Brady revived the band with a fresh lineup featuring Jimi McDonald, Taj, Michael Kane, and Andi Emm.
History
The origin of the band's name "London SS" remains contested. According to Geir Waade, he was the one who suggested it:
The inclusion of "SS" in the name raised concerns because of its link to the Schutzstaffel, the Nazi paramilitary organization, during a time when Nazi chic was influencing British pop culture. This association created discomfort for Mick Jones (who is Jewish) as The Clash emerged as a prominent left-wing force in UK music. Tony James later clarified:
With Kelvin Cyril Blacklock joining as lead vocalist, both Waade and Jones exited the group. Subsequently, the band changed its name to Violent Luck.
The lineup’s second phase began with Blacklock and James.[1] Guitarist Brian James was also involved on a semi-regular basis. Other contributors included Matt Dangerfield and Casino Steel from the Hollywood Brats, who later joined The Boys. Although future Clash bassist Paul Simonon auditioned for London SS, he was not selected.[2]
Recordings
London SS produced only one demo recording featuring James, Jones, James, and Hot. Their style combined straightforward rock 'n' roll with 1960s-style R&B, demonstrated by tracks like "1–2 Crush on You," which The Clash later recorded.
After reforming, the band issued a limited-run demo CD titled High Jinks On A Low Budge, available at the 2013 Rebellion Festival following their well-received performance. Additionally, they recorded an EP named No Beards, No Beerguts, No Beginners under the French label Combat Rock Records.
Later bands featuring members of the London SS
Members of London SS achieved greater prominence through later musical ventures. Critic Dave Thompson described London SS as a "testing ground-cum-meeting place for what became a who's-who of punk."
Brian James and Rat Scabies teamed up with Johnny Moped guitarist Ray Burns to support music journalist Nick Kent in Subterraneans. Later, James and Scabies went on to establish the Damned. Tony James joined Chelsea alongside Billy Idol, and together they founded Generation X. Chelsea’s drummer John Towe recalled that a Brian James composition from London SS was adapted by Gene October but removed from Chelsea’s repertoire once identified.
Mick Jones and Paul Simonon collaborated with Joe Strummer to create the Clash, while Jones and Tony James reunited years later in Carbon/Silicon.