There was the Sex Pistols and there was the rest. The Sex Pistols ARE punk; the rest are ‘punk rock.’ Amidst the chaos that was the Sex Pistols, it’s often forgotten just what a powerful band they were, and what great records they made. The Sex Pistols were no ordinary group. Their story might be short, and not without its casualties, but their legacy is undoubted; one listen to their ferocious, raw rock and roll will soon tell you that. No British band since the Beatles has done as much to shape the nation. Musically, the Pistols’ impact was enormous and continues to resonate; they didn’t just kick down doors; they trashed the music industry’s house. For a band who (really) only released one album and four incandescent singles
Anarchy in the U.K.,
God Save the Queen,
Pretty Vacant and Holidays in the Sun
they gave birth to a sea of imitators and inspired a DIY aesthetic still alive today. Not bad for a band that ‘couldn’t play.’ Despite claims from New York, the Sex Pistols were the true originators of punk; no one else had their attitude, balls, or honesty
as inspired by anger and poverty, as art and poetry. There was the Sex Pistols and there was the rest. The Sex Pistols ARE punk; the rest are ‘punk rock.’ AUTHOR: Dave Simpson writes for the Guardian, Uncut and others, having written for various titles during a 31-year career. His books include The Fallen: Life In And Out Of Britain’s Most Insane Group (about the Fall), a Sunday Times and Observer music book of the year. The Last Champions explored the final English First Division title (won by Leeds United) before the onset of Sky and Premier League riches. He lives in Yorkshire. SELLING POINTS: . Includes over 150 colour and b/w photographs . The definitive history of the Sex Pistols . Published to coincide with the forthcoming 6-part series, Pistol, created by Danny Boyle, which will be released in 2022 as a Star Original on Disney+ internationally 150 colour illustrations
