The Damned are an English rock band formed in London, England, UK during 1976 by lead vocalist Dave Vanian (David Lett), guitarist Brian James (Brian Robertson), bassist then later guitarist Captain Sensible (Raymond Burns), and drummer Rat Scabies (Chris Millar). They were the first punk rock band from the UK to release a single, "New Rose" (1976), issue an album, Damned Damned Damned (1977), and tour the US, sometimes being referred to as British punk's "band of firsts," their other "firsts" including having been the first punk band to break up and come back. The Damned influenced later hardcore punk groups with their fast-paced, energetic playing style and attitude, having helped to spearhead the UK punk movement, together with the Sex Pistols and the Clash. They had 9 records that entered the UK Singles Chart Top 40.