Never Mind The Sex Pistols: An Alternative History DVD,
Sex PistolsThe S*x Pistols. They're like marmite I guess, you love them or hate them. There's two schools of thought with them; are they a band who started a revolutionary movement and inspired thousands of bands for years and years, or simply a manufactured 'boy-band' of sorts who happened to be in the right place at the right time, arguably made more famous by their off-stage antics and the death of their bassist. Needless to say, they're in rock and roll history whether we all like it or not. And 'God Save The Queen' will forever be an anthem for the disaffected youth, even 30 years on.
But there's something not very 'punk' about all the 30-year anniversary releases which have come out this year. Numerous major label 'best ofs', even the national newspapers have given away freebie CDs charting songs by The Clash and The Undertones for 50-somethings who should know better and 15-year-olds who think the world is against them. This DVD release is put together for the moolah. There's no music by the band on this record and nothing from Mr Lydon whatsoever. And what's really funny - although probably not on purpose - is that certain sections are 're-inacted' by tribute band The Sex Pistols Experience.
The film charts the rise of the band, from first meeting svengali Malcolm McLaren, getting record deals, adding Sid Vicious to their ranks and ultimately the band's demise. A documentary made up of interviews, the lack of the band's charismatic singer speaks volumes. Instead we are treated to interviews with roadies, shop workers and journalists, with a little bit from Glen Matlock and the aforementioned Mr McLaren. But it's thrown together and doesn't really tell us anything we don't already know.
I've never really been a Pistols fan anyway, so I believe they're totally over-rated. This DVD simply serves to back-up my theory. I'm sure the die-hards will be interested, but it's ultimately a bit pointless, re-telling the story we already know, without interviewing the major players. Still, 30th anniversay and all that and I'm sure the tills will kerching at Christmas.
