Sex Pistols, a British rock band, became one of the most influential groups of the punk rock movement. Punk rock has a loud, fast, and energetic sound, and punk rockers bring an angry, rebellious attitude to their music. The Sex Pistols became known for their shocking appearance, controversial lyrics, rude behavior, and rowdy concert performances.
The Sex Pistols formed in London in 1975. The group originally comprised lead singer Johnny Rotten (John Lydon, 1956-…); guitarist Steve Jones (1955-…); bassist Glen Matlock (1956-…); and drummer Paul Cook (1956-…). Malcolm McLaren, a British clothing shop owner, helped assemble the group and became its manager. Under McLaren’s guidance, the group became hugely successful in the United Kingdom.
In 1976, the group released its debut single, “Anarchy in the U.K.” The song became identified with the punk movement. In 1977, the group’s second single, “God Save the Queen,” was released. It took its title from the national anthem of the United Kingdom. The song generated controversy for attacking what the group saw as the British people’s social conformity and allegiance to the queen. Despite being banned by many radio stations and the British Broadcasting Corporation, the song became a hit in the United Kingdom.
In 1977, Matlock left the group and was replaced by bassist Sid Vicious (John Simon Beverley, 1957-1979). Later in 1977, the group’s only album recorded in a studio, Never Mind the Bollocks…Here’s the Sex Pistols, was released. It included the Sex Pistols’ first two singles as well as the group’s other two singles, “Pretty Vacant” and “Holidays in the Sun.” The album reached number one in the United Kingdom. It went on to become one of the most influential albums in rock history.
The Sex Pistols broke up in 1978. Later that year, Rotten formed the successful group Public Image Ltd., performing under his birth name, John Lydon. Jones and Cook began performing with other groups. Vicious performed as a solo artist until his death from a drug overdose in 1979.
In 1996, the group’s original four members reunited and began performing again as the Sex Pistols. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. Lydon wrote the memoirs Rotten (with Kent Zimmerman, 1994) and Anger Is an Energy (2015).
See also Punk rock ; Rock music (Punk rock) .
