[Proto-Punk] Bastard - "Doctor Gong b/w Comfort"

Band/Artist: Bastard
Single Title: Doctor Gong b/w Comfort
Release Date: June 26th, 2026
Label: Wap Shoo Wap Records
Format: Digital EP
Genre: Proto-Punk, Heavy Rock, Hard Rock, Punk Rock
Country: UK

For the first time ever, recordings by Bastard, the short-lived British band featuring future The Damned guitarist and songwriter Brian James and future Elton Motello frontman Alan Ward, are being released to the public. Originally recorded in 1974 and unheard ever since, the two tracks arrive through Amsterdam-based label Wap Shoo Wap Records as the label's 30th release.

Formed in Crawley, Bastard quickly earned a reputation through appearances at biker parties, Hell's Angels clubhouses and dive bars across the UK and Belgium. While much of British rock was still immersed in glam and progressive excess, Bastard were already pushing towards something rougher, louder and more immediate. These recordings offer a rare snapshot of a period just before punk would erupt.

"Doctor Gong" opens with a dark, ominous riff before moving into hard-driving rock fuelled by Brian James' guitar work, while "Comfort" captures a raw collision of proto-punk attitude and stripped-back rock and roll energy. Together, the songs document an overlooked chapter in the history of British underground rock.

Within a few years of these recordings, Brian James would write and record "New Rose" with The Damned, widely recognised as the first UK punk single, while Alan Ward would later find international attention through Elton Motello's "Jet Boy, Jet Girl". For decades, the Bastard recordings survived only as rumour, memory and ageing tape. Now they finally see an official release.

Limited to just 300 copies worldwide, the release will be available as a 7-inch vinyl edition alongside digital formats.

Tracklist:
1. Doctor Gong
2. Comfort

Line-up:
Brian James – Guitar
Alan Ward – Vocals
Nobby Goff – Drums
Dez Lover – Bass

Recording info:
Produced and mixed by Alan Ward in Brussels, Belgium

For fans of:
The Damned, MC5, The Stooges, Elton Motello, Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath

Links:
Bandcamp: https://wapshoowaprecords.bandcamp.com/album/doctor-gong-b-w-comfort
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ia-R-AWfbxU
Website: https://wapshoowaprecords.com/product/bastard-dr-gong-comfort-single
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wapshoowaprecords/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wapshoowaprecords

If you wish to receive the full promo, please, get in touch: catia@againstpr.com