The History of the World Part 1 (single)

Infobox Single
Name = The History Of The World Part 1


Artist = The Damned
from Album = The Black Album
B-side = "I Believe the Impossible" "Sugar and Spite"
Released = September 1980
Format = 7", 12"
Recorded = 1980
Genre = Rock
Length = 3:45
Label = Chiswick CHIS 125
Producer = Hans Zimmer, The Damned
Chart position = * #51 (U.K.)
Last single = "White Rabbit" (1980)
This single = "The History Of The World Part 1" (1980)
Next single = "There Ain't No Sanity Clause" (1980)

The History of the World Part 1 was a single by The Damned.

It was co-produced by the band with Hans Zimmer, later to go to become a noted film composer. The song marked a further move away from the band's raw punk rock roots, with prog rock and gothic influences evident, as well.

The single was also issued in Germany. In the USA, where the band had a deal with I.R.S. Records, "Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde" was issued as a single instead, while in Spain "Wait for the Blackout" was the song chosen to promote the album.

Track listing

# "The History of the World Part 1" (Scabies, Sensible, Vanian, Gray) - 3:45
# "I Believe the Impossible" (Scabies, Sensible, Vanian, Gray)
# "Sugar and Spite" (Scabies, Sensible, Vanian, Gray)

Bonus Track on 12" single: -
# "I Believe the Impossible (Extended version)" (Scabies, Sensible, Vanian, Gray)

The standard version of "I Believe the Impossible" was omitted from the 12" version.

Production credits

* Producers:
** Hans Zimmer ("The History of the World Part 1" only)
** The Damned

* Musicians:
** Dave Vanian: Vocals
** Captain Sensible: Guitar, Vocals on "I Believe the Impossible"
** Rat Scabies: Drums
** Paul Gray: Bass