Sex Pistols – Power of the Sex Pistols 12" Vinyl LP Album

- The Raw, Unfiltered Fury Behind Punk’s Most Notorious Bootleg

Album Description:

The Sex Pistols exploded through the late ’70s with a level of chaos few bands could match, and the 1985 compilation “Power of the Sex Pistols” attempts to capture a piece of that unfiltered energy. Released long after the original lineup collapsed, it serves as a raw snapshot of the band’s live ferocity.

Issued by 77 Records (CAT 772) under license from Glitterbest Ltd., the album pulls from unofficial live sources rather than studio masters. These rough recordings reflect the punk underground, where fan-circulated tapes and bootlegs carried the movement as much as official releases.

The uneven fidelity exposes its bootleg origins, but that grit fits the Sex Pistols perfectly. It mirrors the confrontational, unpredictable atmosphere of their late-1970s shows, where rebellion mattered more than clean sound.

Side A fires off with “Anarchy in the UK”, followed by “I Wanna Be Me” and “Seventeen.” Even through the lo-fi haze, Johnny Rotten’s sneer cuts sharply, especially on “EMI” and “No Feelings.”

Side B keeps the intensity high with “Pretty Vacant” and “God Save the Queen.” Tracks like “Bodies,” “Submission,” and “Holidays in the Sun” underline the band’s uncompromising stance and the fire that defined their brief, explosive reign.

Although not an official Virgin Records release, “Power of the Sex Pistols” delivers something the studio recordings never could: the sound of punk as it felt in real time — noisy, imperfect, and fiercely alive. Its flaws aren’t drawbacks; they’re the essence of the Sex Pistols’ myth.

Band Line-up:

• Johnny Rotten – Vocals
  John Lydon, known as Johnny Rotten, became the defining voice of UK punk through his confrontational delivery and sharp, politically charged lyrics. His role in the Sex Pistols helped ignite the late-1970s punk explosion, and his unapologetic stage presence challenged cultural norms across Britain. After the group dissolved, he formed Public Image Ltd (PiL), expanding into experimental post-punk and influencing future alternative music scenes.
• Steve Jones – Guitar
  Steve Jones was the driving force behind the Sex Pistols’ guitar sound, known for his thick, multi-tracked rhythm style that became a blueprint for punk rock. A former London street hustler, his tight, aggressive playing shaped the Pistols’ recordings more than any other member. After the band split, Jones continued as a session guitarist and later gained recognition as a radio host, maintaining his influence on modern punk and hard-rock guitarists.

• Glen Matlock – Bass
  Glen Matlock served as the original bassist and one of the primary songwriters of the Sex Pistols, contributing heavily to the structure and melodies of their early material. His musicianship provided stability during the band’s formative period, helping shape tracks that later became punk staples. After his departure, he remained active in the UK music scene, working with artists such as Rich Kids, Iggy Pop, and The Faces’ members, maintaining a respected reputation as a versatile musician.
• Sid Vicious – Bass
  Sid Vicious joined the Sex Pistols in 1977, becoming a highly visible symbol of the punk movement despite limited technical ability. His raw image, rebellious attitude, and troubled lifestyle quickly overshadowed his musical contributions, yet solidified his status as an enduring punk icon. Vicious performed on few studio recordings, but appeared in live shows and promotional material, leaving a cultural legacy that continues to shape the public perception of punk’s darker side.
• Paul Cook – Drums
  Paul Cook provided the tight, disciplined drumming that anchored the Sex Pistols’ chaotic sound, giving structure to the band’s otherwise volatile performances. His straightforward, driving style became a hallmark of early UK punk and continues to influence drummers in the genre. After the group’s split, Cook remained active in various collaborations with Steve Jones and worked as a session drummer, contributing to projects that carried the punk spirit into later decades.