The History of the World (Part 1)

"The History of the World (Part 1)"
Single by The Damned
from the album The Black Album
B-side	"I Believe the Impossible" "Sugar and Spite"
Released	September 1980
Format	7", 12"
Recorded	1980
Genre	Gothic rock post-punk
Length	3:45
Label	Chiswick CHIS 125
Writer(s)	Rat Scabies/Captain Sensible/Paul Gray/Dave Vanian
Producer(s)	Hans Zimmer, The Damned
The Damned singles chronology
"White Rabbit" (1980) "The History of the World (Part 1)" (1980) "There Ain't No Sanity Clause" (1980)

"The History of the World (Part 1)" is a single by The Damned, released in 1980 on Chiswick Records. It was co-produced by the band with Hans Zimmer, who later became 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 also evident,.

The single was also issued in Germany. In the U.S., 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

All songs by Scabies, Sensible, Vanian, Gray.

1. "The History of the World (Part 1)" – 3:45
2. "I Believe the Impossible"
3. "Sugar and Spite"

The 12" edition used an extended version of "I Believe the Impossible" instead of the "regular" 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