London SS

London SS

London SS is an early British punk rock group founded in March 1975 by guitarist Mick Jones and bassist Tony James. The band spends much of its short existence auditioning potential members and is known as a prelude to several later punk and new wave acts, rather than for a large recorded output of its own.

Line-up and associated musicians

Alongside Jones and Tony James, guitarist Brian James is the only other semi-permanent member. Musicians who play with the group at different points include Matt Dangerfield and Casino Steel, then of The Hollywood Brats and later of The Boys. Rat Scabies, later drummer with The Damned, also plays with the band while he is active in his own proto-punk group Rot. Roland Hot serves as drummer, and punk poet Patrik Fitzgerald also claims to audition for the band. Future Clash members Paul Simonon and Terry Chimes audition, while Nicky “Topper” Headon is asked to join but declines.

Recording and style

The group’s only recording is a demo featuring James, Jones, James and Hot. Musically, London SS plays straightforward rock and roll and covers classic 1960s R&B, although some former members later describe the music as poor.

Legacy

After Hot leaves in January 1976, Brian James leaves with Scabies to form The Subterraneans and later The Damned. Tony James later joins Chelsea with Billy Idol, and the two later start Generation X. Jones, Simonon and Chimes go on to form The Clash with Joe Strummer. Chimes is later replaced by Headon and then Headon is replaced by Chimes again. The group becomes better known for the later careers of its members than for its own activity.

Name

The band’s name causes controversy because “SS” is commonly understood to refer to a Nazi military force. Later accounts from the members say the name refers to their poverty at the time and stands for “social security”, while other explanations describe it as chosen for ambiguity and shock value rather than political sympathy.