48 years ago, the Sex Pistols launched a revolution with their landmark album ‘Never Mind the Bollocks Here’s the Sex Pistols’, effectively resetting the music industry. Their influence prompted a reevaluation of long guitar solos, excessive keyboard flourishes associated with progressive rock, and not only sidelined disco, but aggressively displaced it. Teenagers who felt alienated by current music discovered that just three chords and honesty were all they needed, a message the Sex Pistols conveyed to the UK and eventually the entire world.
In '78, the Sex Pistols traveled to the U.S. to capitalize on the growing interest in this alternative genre, playing a few shows that I believe marked the beginning of the end for the short-lived punk band—though definitely not for punk or the movement it inspired.
This box set contains excerpts from this brief tour, capturing the energy of the performances while also revealing the tensions within the band as they navigated a harsh environment. Above all, it serves as a snapshot of a crucial moment in musical history, sending out ripples that continue to shape much of today's music.
Their first show in the U.S. at the South East Music Hall in Atlanta was filled with energy from both the Pistols and the audience, yet it was clear that the locals in Georgia were not fully ready for unfiltered British punk. At that time, only a few American new wave bands were still carving out their identities; regardless, Atlanta marked the beginning of this latest British invasion. I can only imagine what it must have been like for them, but thanks to this album, listeners can experience firsthand the uncompromising message this band delivered.
The collection features 40 tracks from three venues, showcasing all the well-known hits. What stands out is the impressive effort in the performances despite technical imperfections, even if at times it seemed a struggle to generate the same energy from part of the audience. However, by the end of the shows, contrasting opinions were evident.
For those familiar with the music, the comments made between songs are particularly revealing, emphasizing the documented confusion the band was experiencing during this period.
One performance that resonated with me on this album was ‘Bodies’ from the Atlanta show, as it has always been a personal favorite and addresses an important pro-choice topic that was perhaps ahead of its time.
A notable track on this album that many would recognize is the Stooges cover ‘No Fun’, performed as an encore at the Winterland Ballroom show, particularly due to the widely reported quote, “Ever get the feeling you’ve been cheated?” which was believed to reference their manager Malcolm McLaren.
Overall, there's much to appreciate from this time capsule. The Pistols’ energy is palpable, though it seems evident that much of the U.S. was not prepared for British punk – but maybe that was intentional after all?
9/10
Words: Jack Wilkie
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48 years ago, the Sex Pistols ignited a revolution with their legendary album 'Never Mind the Bollocks Here’s the Sex Pistols', essentially hitting the reset button on