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.'

About the 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.

Reviews

'Excellent, eminently readable...superb.'

* God is in the TV Zine *

'Chronicled in detail... a solid snapshot of the iconoclastic quartet and an equally explosive era of rock and roll.'

-- Vintage Guitar Magazine



Book Information
ISBN 9781786751249
Author Dave Simpson
Format Hardback
Page Count 192
Imprint Palazzo Editions Ltd
Publisher Palazzo Editions Ltd