VOL. XIX, NO. 5
DECEMBER 16, 1977
New English Fad Rises - Punk Rock
BY STEVE VISTEEN
Fans of polished rock, such as that of Peter Frampton, Fleetwood Mac, and the Eagles, may not be able to stomach the energetic, raw pulsing sound of England's latest rock trend, Punk, or more correctly, New Wave rock.
Imagine, if you will, hundreds of British teens dressed to the hilt in various forms of leather bondage gear, Nazi regalia, and safety pins hopping maniacally about to music designed to assault the senses, as well as the British establishment.
England's New Wave rock scene, as opposed to New York's New Wave scene, is characterized by extreme boredom and rage over existing political, social, and musical institutions. The music reflects this weariness and anger by incorporating violence, sex; outrage, energy, large amounts of volume, and bizarre fashion into a powerful and energetic fusion of rock and social commentary. The music itself is a coalescence of early Who, the Velvet Underground, the MC5, Iggy and the Stooges, and the New York Dolls.
The leaders of England's New Wave Movement are individually Johnny Rotten, Paul Cook, Steve Jones, and Sid Vicious. Collectively these lads are known as the Sex Pistols; they, without a doubt, hold England's New Wave scene at their grubby little fingertips.
Under the guidance of their manager, Malcolm McClaren, the Sex Pistols have successfully ridden a wave of notoriety similar to the hype that followed the Rolling Stones in their formative years.
The group came together late in 1975 when the lads met in McClaren's boutique. Guitarist Jones, drummer Cook, and original bassist Glen Matlock, replaced in 1977 by Sid Vicious, hung around the boutique searching for a vocalist.
Fans of polished rock, such as that of Peter Frampton, Fleetwood Mac, and the Eagles, may not be able to stomach the energetic, raw pulsing sound of England's latest rock trend, Punk, or more correctly, New Wave rock.
Imagine, if you will, hundreds of British teens dressed to the hilt in various forms of leather bondage gear, Nazi regalia, and safety pins hopping maniacally about to music designed to assault the senses, as well as the British establishment.
England's New Wave rock scene, as opposed to New York's New Wave scene, is characterized by extreme boredom and rage over existing political, social, and musical institutions. The music reflects this weariness and anger by incorporating violence, sex; outrage, energy, large amounts of volume, and bizarre fashion into a powerful and energetic fusion of rock and social commentary. The music itself is a coalescence of early Who, the Velvet Underground, the MC5, Iggy and the Stooges, and the New York Dolls.
The leaders of England's New Wave Movement are individually Johnny Rotten, Paul Cook, Steve Jones, and Sid Vicious. Collectively these lads are known as the Sex Pistols; they, without a doubt, hold England's New Wave scene at their grubby little fingertips.
Under the guidance of their manager, Malcolm McClaren, the Sex Pistols have successfully ridden a wave of notoriety similar to the hype that followed the Rolling Stones in their formative years.
The group came together late in 1975 when the lads met in McClaren's boutique. Guitarist Jones, drummer Cook, and original bassist Glen Matlock, replaced in 1977 by Sid Vicious, hung around the boutique searching for a vocalist.
According to Jones, one afternoon a certain John Lydon showed up at the boutique looking bored and was thought to be a natural for the group's image. McClaren immediately became their manager. He christened Lydon, Johnny Rotten, and the band, the Sex Pistols.
Word of mouth about the group's concerts won them a large London following as well as an $80,000 contract with Britain's largest and most established record label, EMI. The Sex Pistols' first single, "Anarchy in the U.K.," was banned from airplay in England by the BBC. This was by no means the worst fate dealt to the band during their initial year together. During an appearance on the British equivalent of the "Today Show," Johnny Rotten was provoked into unleashing a torrent of expletives. This action caused certain members of the British government to take a stand on New Wave rock. Consequently, EMI dropped the boys as quickly as they had signed them.
Undaunted, the lads were swiftly signed to A&M Records early in March of this year. Less than a fortnight later the Pistols were without a contract. Having no contract or financial support, the Sex Pistols tried to offset their bad luck by staging shows in London. Much to their surprise local officials had banned them from playing in the London venues.
Late last April the Sex Pistols were signed to Virgin Records. Under McClaren's advice the band released their second single at the start of the Queen's Silver Jubilee. The song, "God Save the Queen," was and is an exciting and raw stab at Queen and country. As usual the BBC banned the song; yet, it still managed to reach the number one position in the English charts.
As the vanguard of the British New Wave Movement, the Sex Pistols have paved the way for bands of equal promise in the Year of the Punk.
Word of mouth about the group's concerts won them a large London following as well as an $80,000 contract with Britain's largest and most established record label, EMI. The Sex Pistols' first single, "Anarchy in the U.K.," was banned from airplay in England by the BBC. This was by no means the worst fate dealt to the band during their initial year together. During an appearance on the British equivalent of the "Today Show," Johnny Rotten was provoked into unleashing a torrent of expletives. This action caused certain members of the British government to take a stand on New Wave rock. Consequently, EMI dropped the boys as quickly as they had signed them.
Undaunted, the lads were swiftly signed to A&M Records early in March of this year. Less than a fortnight later the Pistols were without a contract. Having no contract or financial support, the Sex Pistols tried to offset their bad luck by staging shows in London. Much to their surprise local officials had banned them from playing in the London venues.
Late last April the Sex Pistols were signed to Virgin Records. Under McClaren's advice the band released their second single at the start of the Queen's Silver Jubilee. The song, "God Save the Queen," was and is an exciting and raw stab at Queen and country. As usual the BBC banned the song; yet, it still managed to reach the number one position in the English charts.
As the vanguard of the British New Wave Movement, the Sex Pistols have paved the way for bands of equal promise in the Year of the Punk.
