The Damned’s 1976 debut single was titled “New Rose,” widely regarded as the first UK punk single.
“New Rose” was released by Stiff Records on 22 October 1976. The Damned recorded the song with vocalist Dave Vanian, guitarist Brian James, bassist Captain Sensible, and drummer Rat Scabies. Its rapid tempo, compressed guitar sound, and brief running time made it an immediate statement of British punk’s urgency.
The single was backed by a cover of The Beatles’ “Help!” and reached number 81 on the UK Singles Chart. The band’s debut helped establish The Damned as one of the first British punk groups to release recorded music commercially.
People sometimes identify “White Riot” by The Clash or “Anarchy in the U.K.” by the Sex Pistols as the first British punk single. Both are historically important, but “New Rose” was released earlier, in October 1976, and is commonly credited with that distinction.