The Saints released the debut single “(I'm) Stranded” in 1976. The Brisbane band issued it independently in September 1976 on its own Fatal Records label, making the record a landmark in Australian punk history.
The single was recorded in June 1976 at Bruce Window Studios in Brisbane, with songwriting shared by guitarist Ed Kuepper and vocalist Chris Bailey. Its B-side was “No Time.” The band initially pressed about 500 copies and distributed them despite receiving little support from Australian record companies.
A glowing review in the British music paper Sounds brought international attention. EMI subsequently signed The Saints to a three-album deal, and the band released its debut album, also titled (I'm) Stranded, in February 1977. The single is often described as the first punk record released outside the United States, predating the earliest British releases by bands such as The Damned, Sex Pistols, and The Clash.
The Saints formed in Brisbane in 1973 and developed their fast tempos, abrasive guitars, and forceful vocals largely in isolation. “(I'm) Stranded” later entered Australia's Kent Music Report and was added to the Sounds of Australia registry in 2007.