Sex Pistols Release Never Mind the Bollocks
The 27th of October 1977 AD
Badged blazers with pencil moustaches above them railed against the album surely destined to end civilisation. Richard Branson 's record company and a Nottingham shopkeeper were taken to court for using the word “bollocks” in the title – John Mortimer winning the case for them. And now John Lydon advertises butter.
The only studio album the Sex Pistols recorded, Never Mind... as with so many aspects of their career exploited establishment sensitivity for publicity, Malcolm McLaren the master manipulator. By October 1977 punk was running out of steam, so perhaps it was time to sell some units.
But the album is a great one, with three perfect punk anthems included: Pretty Vacant; God Save the Queen (more controversy); and Anarchy in the UK (yet more controversy), the latter the longest of the trio at 3:32, a world away from 10 minute guitar solos, light shows and banks of synthesisers. Lydon/Rotten more screams than sings at times, but with words heard because of his exaggerated diction; and the musicianship – albeit brash - had moved on from punk’s early days. It was still, however, the antidote to Genesis and Yes, and for all the serious overtones was bloody good fun.
What did you do in the punk wars granddad? Pogo and have a laugh.
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