Few people can think of punk rock without conjuring images of the Sex Pistols. The iconic English punk rock band formed in 1975 in London, forever changing the music scene in the United Kingdom.
The Sex Pistols formed during a time where bands seemed to be playing it safe with manufactured, cheesy pop music or progressive rock that didn't seem to be going anywhere. Despite the fact that the Pistols produced only four singles and one studio album, to this day they are still regarded as a front runner in the English punk rock scene.
Before the band evolved into what fans know today, the Sex Pistols were originally named The Strand. Formed in 1972 by guitarist Steve Jones (who actually was the vocalist for The Strand), Paul Cook on drums and Wally Nightingale playing guitar.
Eventually, the Strand also included Jim Mackin on organ, and Del Noones on bass. By 1973, former New York Dollsmanager Malcolm McLaren took notice of the band and took over their management.
After that, the band went through another name change (this time called The Swankers) and started rehearsing at the Crunchy Frog studio, outside the London Docklands. Finally, in 1974 the band got a taste of what it felt like to perform live, playing their first gig at Tom Salter's Cafe in London.
Right around this time, bass player Noones was kicked out of the band, due to his lack of professionalism and commitment to the band.
Once Noones was ejected from the band, they were in need of a new bass player. In 1975, Glen Matlock was brought on board to replace Noones. To put another rift in the already-shaky framework of the band, Jones and Nightingale found themselves at odds over the band's direction. Shortly after, Nightingale left the band.
Then, in August 1975, Jones noticed John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) at the former SEX boutique. His look was different; he had green hair and was highly intelligent. Even though Rotten had never sang before, Jones asked him to join the band as the vocalist.
In 1976, Cook felt that Jones needed another guitar player to back him up, so they placed an advertisement in the fanzine Melody Maker to look for another guitarist to add to the lineup. Steve New responded to the ad, but left the band after a few weeks.
By now, the band was in need of a fresh outlook, and McLaren (still acting as manager) decided it was time for a name change... again. After muddling over a plethora of possible names, the members played their first act as The Sex Pistols at St. Martin's College on November 6th, 1975.
Unfortunately, they were ejected from the stage before they even got to finish their first song.
That failed gig was followed by several other small gigs at various art schools and colleges around London. Then, during early 1976, the Pistols began opening to larger venues like the 100 Club. In September of 1976, the band played their first show outside of London - the opening of the Club De Chalet Du Lac in Paris.
Shortly afterwards, the Pistols initiated their first major tour of Britain, lasting from mid-September to October.
During this time, in 1976 the Sex Pistols signed to the record label EMI. Their first single, "Anarchy in the U.K.", released in November, classified the punk music genre as a sound to be reckoned with.
Not only did their music give the Pistols some national attention, but their behavior forced them into the spotlight as well. From swearing on television to public drunkenness, the Pistols found themselves in the tabloids on more than one occasion.
EMI, the Pistols record label, cut ties with the band in December of 1976.
In February 1977, Matlock finally left the band - probably because he just didn't fit with the other members anymore. Johnny Rotten's friend and fan of the Pistols Sid Vicious (John Simon Ritchie) was brought in as Matlock's replacement.
Oddly enough, Vicious couldn't play guitar, but was approved by the band because his look meshed so well with the overall vibe. During live performances, Vicious' amplifier would be turned down very low or completely off.
In March of 1977, the band signed with A&M Records, but were booted from the contract merely six days after signing because of a wild party the Pistols threw in the A&M offices. Their third (and final) record deal was signed in May, with Virgin Records.
Possibly their most influential single, "God Save the Queen" was released on May 27, 1977. The song was harshly criticized and banned from radio airplay in the U.K. due to feelings that the song attacked Queen Elizabeth II.
Their only studio album, "Never Mind The Bolloks, Here's The Sex Pistols" was released in October of 1977. The album opened to mix reviews, but throughout recent history, the Pistols album is widely regarded as one of the most influential punk rock records of all time.
During the beginning of 1978, the Pistols embarked on their U.S. tour which eventually led to the demise of the band. Fans of the Pistols were excited about the tour, but it didn't live up to expectations due to poor planning, hostile crowds and various other influences that didn't bode well with authorities or the band's shaky framework.
By this time, Vicious was addicted to heroin and began to live up to his moniker. From fights, to outrageous stage antics and everything in between, Vicious shocked and appalled fans and media alike.
Johnny Rotten fell ill during this time, and the distance between the band members continued to grow. On January 17th, 1978 - merely a few weeks into the tour - Rotten announced he was leaving the band. While the band did attempt to continue without vocalist Rotten, it was a floundering effort.
Once Sid Vicious died, the band essentially disappeared from the radar.
While the band's career was relatively short lived and plagued with sensationalism, there can be no argument that the Sex Pistols ushered in a brand new era of music. Their music influenced countless other punk rock bands during the 70's and later periods, and will continue to live on in the hearts of their fans.
The Sex Pistols formed during a time where bands seemed to be playing it safe with manufactured, cheesy pop music or progressive rock that didn't seem to be going anywhere. Despite the fact that the Pistols produced only four singles and one studio album, to this day they are still regarded as a front runner in the English punk rock scene.
The Beginning
Before the band evolved into what fans know today, the Sex Pistols were originally named The Strand. Formed in 1972 by guitarist Steve Jones (who actually was the vocalist for The Strand), Paul Cook on drums and Wally Nightingale playing guitar.
Eventually, the Strand also included Jim Mackin on organ, and Del Noones on bass. By 1973, former New York Dollsmanager Malcolm McLaren took notice of the band and took over their management.
After that, the band went through another name change (this time called The Swankers) and started rehearsing at the Crunchy Frog studio, outside the London Docklands. Finally, in 1974 the band got a taste of what it felt like to perform live, playing their first gig at Tom Salter's Cafe in London.
Right around this time, bass player Noones was kicked out of the band, due to his lack of professionalism and commitment to the band.
The Rise of Johnny Rotten
Once Noones was ejected from the band, they were in need of a new bass player. In 1975, Glen Matlock was brought on board to replace Noones. To put another rift in the already-shaky framework of the band, Jones and Nightingale found themselves at odds over the band's direction. Shortly after, Nightingale left the band.
Then, in August 1975, Jones noticed John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) at the former SEX boutique. His look was different; he had green hair and was highly intelligent. Even though Rotten had never sang before, Jones asked him to join the band as the vocalist.
In 1976, Cook felt that Jones needed another guitar player to back him up, so they placed an advertisement in the fanzine Melody Maker to look for another guitarist to add to the lineup. Steve New responded to the ad, but left the band after a few weeks.
Yet Another Name Change
By now, the band was in need of a fresh outlook, and McLaren (still acting as manager) decided it was time for a name change... again. After muddling over a plethora of possible names, the members played their first act as The Sex Pistols at St. Martin's College on November 6th, 1975.
Unfortunately, they were ejected from the stage before they even got to finish their first song.
That failed gig was followed by several other small gigs at various art schools and colleges around London. Then, during early 1976, the Pistols began opening to larger venues like the 100 Club. In September of 1976, the band played their first show outside of London - the opening of the Club De Chalet Du Lac in Paris.
Shortly afterwards, the Pistols initiated their first major tour of Britain, lasting from mid-September to October.
The Pistols Tumultuous History
During this time, in 1976 the Sex Pistols signed to the record label EMI. Their first single, "Anarchy in the U.K.", released in November, classified the punk music genre as a sound to be reckoned with.
Not only did their music give the Pistols some national attention, but their behavior forced them into the spotlight as well. From swearing on television to public drunkenness, the Pistols found themselves in the tabloids on more than one occasion.
EMI, the Pistols record label, cut ties with the band in December of 1976.
Sid Vicious Joins the Band
In February 1977, Matlock finally left the band - probably because he just didn't fit with the other members anymore. Johnny Rotten's friend and fan of the Pistols Sid Vicious (John Simon Ritchie) was brought in as Matlock's replacement.
Oddly enough, Vicious couldn't play guitar, but was approved by the band because his look meshed so well with the overall vibe. During live performances, Vicious' amplifier would be turned down very low or completely off.
In March of 1977, the band signed with A&M Records, but were booted from the contract merely six days after signing because of a wild party the Pistols threw in the A&M offices. Their third (and final) record deal was signed in May, with Virgin Records.
Possibly their most influential single, "God Save the Queen" was released on May 27, 1977. The song was harshly criticized and banned from radio airplay in the U.K. due to feelings that the song attacked Queen Elizabeth II.
Their only studio album, "Never Mind The Bolloks, Here's The Sex Pistols" was released in October of 1977. The album opened to mix reviews, but throughout recent history, the Pistols album is widely regarded as one of the most influential punk rock records of all time.
The End Of the Pistols
During the beginning of 1978, the Pistols embarked on their U.S. tour which eventually led to the demise of the band. Fans of the Pistols were excited about the tour, but it didn't live up to expectations due to poor planning, hostile crowds and various other influences that didn't bode well with authorities or the band's shaky framework.
By this time, Vicious was addicted to heroin and began to live up to his moniker. From fights, to outrageous stage antics and everything in between, Vicious shocked and appalled fans and media alike.
Johnny Rotten fell ill during this time, and the distance between the band members continued to grow. On January 17th, 1978 - merely a few weeks into the tour - Rotten announced he was leaving the band. While the band did attempt to continue without vocalist Rotten, it was a floundering effort.
Once Sid Vicious died, the band essentially disappeared from the radar.
Conclusion
While the band's career was relatively short lived and plagued with sensationalism, there can be no argument that the Sex Pistols ushered in a brand new era of music. Their music influenced countless other punk rock bands during the 70's and later periods, and will continue to live on in the hearts of their fans.
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