The Sex Pistols: Punk Icons
Vicious Lyrics and Rotten Attitudes Caused Music Revolution
Jul 17, 2008
Born of humble beginnings in lower-class London, The Sex Pistols evolved from the early punk outfit, The Strand, which included future Pistols members, Steve Jones on vocals and Paul Cook on drums. It wasn't until the former New York Dolls' manager and Chelsea clothing boutique owner, Malcolm McLaren took over as the band manager however, that their full impact was unleashed upon the music world.
Malcolm McLarenMalcolm McLaren was, by and large, an intelligent man and an astute businessman. He took a group of snarling street urchins with mediocre talent, clothed them in his brand of ripped t-shirts and 'anti-fashion', renamed their band, and transformed them into one of the most prominent and written-about musical forces of the 1970s. Along the way he made a few astute and notable changes to the line-up, ensuring that The Sex Pistols would mosh and headbutt their way into musical folklore.
Johnny Rotten
The eighteen year old, green-haired, foul-mouthed John Lydon wandered into McLaren's boutique one day in August 1975 and history was made. Initially spotted by Steve Jones, Lydon exuded an attitude synonymous with what was to become something of a Pistols' mantra, "F**k the World". His inclusion in the band was unanimous among the other members, with McLaren naming him Johnny Rotten, because of his hairstyle, demeanor and putrid skin tone.
Rotten's appeal to a British youth looking to break from establishment norms was massive, with the band's success being largely attributed to his sneering voice, wild eyes and uncouth stage presence.
Sid ViciousSimon John Ritchie was a late addition to The Sex Pistols, replacing Glen Matlock on bass in 1977. McLaren's reasons for recruiting Ritchie had no musical foundation as young Simon possessed dubious musical talent. His look and punk attitude, however, were irresistible to McLaren and his selection was accepted without reservation by the band.
Johnny Rotten coined the moniker, Sid Vicious, for the new addition after Ritchie was bitten by Rotten's pet hamster, Sid. Sid Vicious became an icon for dark, brooding punks the World over and undoubtedly increased the popularity of the band. He remained with the band until its eventual split, before succumbing to a heroin-induced suicide in 1979 after his much-publicized arrest for the murder of his girlfriend, Nancy Spungen, in New York months earlier.
Sid Vicious was 21 years old when he died.
Impact
The Sex Pistols only released a handful of albums during their short tenure at the top of the music world, but these arguably remain some of the most definitive releases in modern music. Including tracks like Anarchy in the U.K., God Save the Queen and Friggin' in the Riggin', their albums were filled with an anti-establishment sentiment, artistic rage and volatile lyrical content that had never been heard before and seldom have since.
The Pistols' admonishment of the British Monarchy and their much-publicized row and consequent sacking by E.M.I., along with their appearance alongside the exiled Great Train robber, Ronnie Biggs, in their feature film, The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle, further enhanced their reputation as anarchists and troublemakers with traditionalists, whilst carrying their popularity among the youth to new heights.
Love them or hate them, it is difficult to deny the influence that The Sex Pistols have had in changing the face of modern music. Their instantly-recognizable name and the esteem in which they have been held by future musical generations is further evidence that they shook up and conquered an industry urgently in need of a facelift.
Musical scum or not, The Sex Pistols quickly and violently established themselves among the elite in music history.
