The Damned ... “New Rose“ (1976)

“New Rose“ by The Damned was the first single by a British punk rock group, released on 22 October 1976 on Stiff Records, and in 1977 in the Netherlands, Germany and France. Written by guitarist Brian James, “New Rose“ was also included on the group’s full-length debut album, Damned Damned Damned. The deadpan intro by singer Dave Vanian (“Is she really going out with him?“) parodied the 1964 Shangri-Las song “Leader of the Pack“. The single’s B-side was a cover of the Beatles’ hit “Help!“, performed about twice as fast as the original. Both songs became staples of the Damned’s live shows, and appeared on various compilations.