Sex Pistols: Never Mind The Bollocks

Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols is the only studio album by English punk rock band the Sex Pistols, released on 28 October 1977 by Virgin Records. The album has influenced many bands and musicians, and the industry in general. In particular, the album’s raw energy, and Johnny Rotten’s sneering delivery and “half-singing”, are often considered game-changing. It is frequently listed as the most influential punk album, and one of the most important albums of all time.

By the time of its release, the Sex Pistols were controversial, having sworn on live TV, been fired from two record labels, and been banned from playing live in some parts of Britain. The album title added to that controversy, with some people finding the word “bollocks” offensive. Many record stores refused to carry it and some record charts refused to list its title, showing just a blank space instead.

Due in part to its notoriety, and in spite of many sales bans at major retailers, the album debuted at number one on the UK Album Charts. It went gold only a few weeks later, on 17 November. It remained a best-seller for over a year, spending 60 weeks in the top 25. It has seen several reissues, the latest in 2012.