Which punk band released the first UK punk single 'New Rose' in 1976?

The Damned released the first UK punk single, “New Rose,” in 1976.

Released by Stiff Records on 22 October 1976, “New Rose” was written by guitarist Brian James and produced by Nick Lowe. The single was recorded at Pathway Studios in North London and backed with a rapid cover of the Beatles’ “Help!”. Its release came five weeks before the Sex Pistols issued “Anarchy in the U.K.”, making The Damned the first British punk band to put out a single.

The Damned formed in London in 1976 with Dave Vanian, Brian James, Captain Sensible, and Rat Scabies. Their first show was at the 100 Club in July 1976, supporting the Sex Pistols, and they also performed at the venue’s September punk festival alongside major early British punk acts.

The Clash, Buzzcocks, and Sex Pistols were all central to the same emerging scene, which can cause confusion about the distinction. The Clash released their debut single later, while the Sex Pistols’ “Anarchy in the U.K.” became more famous but was not the first UK punk single. “New Rose” also appeared on The Damned’s 1977 debut album, Damned Damned Damned.