John Lydon brings the pain to Tom Snyder, 1980

[samir]

No kidding.  I should have been a cavalier

As a Roundhead, I declare war on yesno!

[TL]

But they were a reaction to the political climate of their time.

We're just going to have to disagree like gentlemen. I'm sorry, but I just think that notion romanticizes the "movement" too much. I have a hard time seeing Lydon really paying attention to policy and railing against it with simple-minded songs about anarchy and the queen and problems with their very major record label. I've always seen the Sex Pistols as more of a concoction than a reaction to anything. When you see Lydon in interviews, you can clearly see that he is in character, at least from where I'm sitting.

Well, you have to ask people who lived in THAT England at THAT time (which was a very different place and time) - even the members of CRASS themselves, as well as Joe Strummer, et al, believed what the Sex Pistols were putting over - they believed it when he said, to quote an over-quoted phrase, "We mean it maaaaaan" - and though there was a manipulated pose involved, the impression that I get is that the band, themselves, DID actually "mean it."  It was obvious in the midst of their actual first go-around that Rotten didn't appreciate being made into McLaren's commodity, and like them or not, their effect and influence speak for themselves.

[Forrest]

I would not deny their influence or impact in any way. I just always felt that there was something inauthentic about the Sex Pistols - let me add that I, myself, feel a sense of confusion and embarrasment when a discussion about any artist turns to 'authenticity'. The meaning of that word is so open for debate that we could go irreversibly down a very troubling rabbit hole - basically, that this was a social experiment/art project that was given such credence that we now see it as something bigger, more important, and especially, political than it was. I still think it was more of a commersial enterprise than anything else, which is fine, but I think that krux has been lost on many people (present company, of course, excluded). There are so many punk bands that I adore, and I suppose that feeling that they are grounded in some real principles appeals to me. That said, I feel a bit silly over the length and futility of this post and I have no desire to scoff at anyone's enjoyment of this band. I realize that most mucicians in other genres would never be held to the same kind of standard.

[AaronC]

"Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?"

[Spoony]

Woof, you're right Forrest. This has gone on too long.

You know what would resolve this once and for all, and cheese everyone at the same time? Start a Sex Pistols cover band. You know you want to.

I don't know how to play bass, so if you don't know how play guitar, we can do this shit.

C

[Forrest]

I am so into that what should we call ourselves? The Intercourse Guns?

[Stupornaut]

I am so into that what should we call ourselves? The Intercourse Guns?

It'd have to be something like "Pretty Vacant: America's Ultimate Sex Pistols Tribute Band".

[TL]

I would not deny their influence or impact in any way. I just always felt that there was something inauthentic about the Sex Pistols - let me add that I, myself, feel a sense of confusion and embarrasment when a discussion about any artist turns to 'authenticity'. The meaning of that word is so open for debate that we could go irreversibly down a very troubling rabbit hole - basically, that this was a social experiment/art project that was given such credence that we now see it as something bigger, more important, and especially, political than it was. I still think it was more of a commersial enterprise than anything else, which is fine, but I think that krux has been lost on many people (present company, of course, excluded). There are so many punk bands that I adore, and I suppose that feeling that they are grounded in some real principles appeals to me. That said, I feel a bit silly over the length and futility of this post and I have no desire to scoff at anyone's enjoyment of this band. I realize that most mucicians in other genres would never be held to the same kind of standard.

I don't think the length of the post is silly, nor do I think the discussion has gone on too long - it's a discussion, and there is much to discuss...
(in general, I mean)

[Spoony]

You just earned yourself a spot drumming in Pretty Vacant, TL.

We're going to dedicate every song to CBGB's.

[TL]

You just earned yourself a spot drumming in Pretty Vacant, TL.

We're going to dedicate every song to CBGB's.

Two things:
1.  If you fire me, I will sue you for wrongful termination and assault (and I want nice hotel rooms!).
2.  While I would prefer CBGB over John Varvatos, I am no whiny CB's nostalgia freak.  I'm kinda glad it's gone.
As long as those things are understood, I'm ready for practice!

[jane]

I am so into that what should we call ourselves? The Intercourse Guns?

It'd have to be something like "Pretty Vacant: America's Ultimate Sex Pistols Tribute Band".

What about "No Room Of One's Own"

[Spoony]

Point 1- We will settle all disagreements in a game of "Squatters Chicken." All disputing parties will forgo bathing until their conscience and health begin to suffer, and they puss out and bathe. The foulest-smelling party thereby wins.

Point 2- I also dance on the grave of CBGB's, and although the Pistols never set foot in that place, I don't think anyone will ever notice. John Varvatos will be sponsoring us, so will always look amazing.

Point 3- We will practice three times a day. I want these covers performed TIGHT!

[TL]

Point 1- We will settle all disagreements in a game of "Squatters Chicken." All disputing parties will forgo bathing until their conscience and health begin to suffer, and they puss out and bathe. The foulest-smelling party thereby wins.

Point 2- I also dance on the grave of CBGB's, and although the Pistols never set foot in that place, I don't think anyone will ever notice. John Varvatos will be sponsoring us, so will always look amazing.

Point 3- We will practice three times a day. I want these covers performed TIGHT!

I find these terms acceptable.
I am, as they say, "in!"

[bookem_dan-o]

I'm embarrassed to say that I got into PiL through Album (or as a highschooler back in 1988, Cassette). I was only interested in it because I heard Steve Vai played guitar on it. That record is still a guilty pleasure to this day.

[Spoony]

Well then stop over to the BB King's at time square to see Pretty Vacant: America's Number One Tribute to the Filth and the Memories. We'll set you right. Tickets start at 30 dollars.