Legendary punk band, the Sex Pistols, had an extravagant celebration after finalizing their contract with A&M. Led by Johnny Rotten (John Lydon) and comprising Paul Cook, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock, and later Sid Vicious, the band’s stint with the label lasted merely a week, culminating in a contract signing event at Buckingham Palace in 1977. A notable image from that day captured the band members alongside label executives and a police officer.
Following their departure from EMI after just three months, the Sex Pistols shifted to A&M, marking the transition with a high-profile signing and a notorious after-party. Fans have fondly recalled this event as one of the band’s most memorable antics.
One fan recounted on Reddit, “One of the funniest things they ever did. They coerced A&M into treating them to a lavish dinner to celebrate. Subsequently, they wreaked havoc at the A&M offices post-signing near Buckingham Palace. A scuffle ensued between Rotten’s friend and an acquaintance of A&M’s directors, leading to the band’s swift dismissal within a week.”
Another fan mentioned, “Six days later, Herb Alpert tore up the contract, along with around 20,000 copies of God Save the Queen EPs.”
In a separate Reddit thread commemorating the contract signing, another user shed light on the after-party where label executives were dismayed by the band’s behavior. The contract with A&M was signed on March 9, 1977, with the iconic photo marking the occasion the next day.
The band members visible in the photo include John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) and drummer Paul Cook signing the contract, with guitarist Steve Jones and the newest member Sid Vicious present. Reports indicated that during the after-party, Vicious vandalized a restroom while Rotten offended staff members. Label Presidents Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss were unimpressed by the band’s conduct, leading to the termination of their contract six days later.
Although the Sex Pistols continue to tour, John Lydon is absent, focusing on touring with his group, Public Image Ltd. The band released “End of World” in 2023, with the lead single “Hawaii” under consideration for Eurovision.
Matlock, Jones, and Cook of the Sex Pistols are currently on tour with Frank Carter as their new lead vocalist. Carter, the former frontman of Rattlesnakes, confirmed the disbandment of his group, expressing his excitement to join the Sex Pistols on tour.