A couple days ago the English punk band The Sex Pistols celebrated the 45th anniversary of the release of their iconic song Anarchy In The UK. Known for their outspoken political ideologies and views on the social climate in England they became a household name and one of the most popular punk bands of all time.
The Sex Pistols was an underground sensation, that acted as a voice for those without one. Their songs consisted of more angst and anger towards others, until the release of their song titled Anarchy In The UK. This song was a way for the band to unite as one and speak about the discontentment they all felt towards their country. Johnny Rotten went on record to say “I felt under serious pressure and so did others, I think… trying to coin phrases and write words that would unite us as a band, as we were so bitterly opposed to each other…”
At its height, Anarchy In the U.K reached number 38 in the U.K charts. This was a surprising feat considering the song was banned after a controversial television appearance on a British talk show. The band members took turns cussing and berating the host throughout the interview which angered the public.
A key line in the song came in the form of “I use the enemy.” Enemy was a play on the NME, which was a magazine in the U.K. The Sex Pistols always tried to get a rise out of corporations and it worked. NME would give a poor review for Anarchy In The U.K stating Rotten’s vocals were flat and labeled the band as a third rate Who knockoff.
“I hit on the right note and tone of a country on that was on the verge of political collapse,” he says. “You know, rigid conservative government, it was not open-minded about anything. Beginning to sound familiar, isn’t it?”
Johnny Rotten
To this day many consider The Sex Pistols as a pivotal part of punk rock history. Citing their anti-establishment mentality and their outspoken political views as a kick start to western alternative bands such as The Ramones, and later The Beastie Boys. And although their antics seemed extreme at first, some have come around to the band’s bold and ambitious ideas and cultural impact.