Sex Pistols: Johnny Rotten, Sid Vicious & Jones - Where Are They Now?

Dalbo

What became of the incendiary figures who redefined music and rebellion in the 1970s? The Sex Pistols, a band that burned brightly and imploded spectacularly, left an indelible mark on music history, and their individual journeys since have been as chaotic and captivating as their music.

The names alone evoke an era: Sid Vicious, Steve Jones, Johnny Rotten, and Paul Cook the quartet that birthed a punk revolution from the heart of London's counterculture. Their brief but explosive existence, from their formation in 1975 to their rapid dissolution, sent shockwaves through the music industry and beyond. But what happened after the fuse was extinguished? Where did the members of the Sex Pistols go?

The echoes of their rebellion still resonate. Johnny Rotten, the snarling frontman, remains a familiar face, though his relationship with his former bandmates has been fraught with conflict. Steve Jones, the band's guitarist, has continued to be involved in music, even as he navigated personal challenges. Paul Cook, the steady hand on the drums, has also maintained a presence in the industry, albeit in a more understated way. The tragic story of Sid Vicious, who succumbed to addiction, serves as a poignant reminder of the destructive forces that often swirl around creative genius.

The following table offers a glimpse into the post-Sex Pistols lives of the band members:

Member Real Name Born Instrument Career Highlights After Sex Pistols
Johnny Rotten John Joseph Lydon January 31, 1956 (London, England) Vocals, Songwriting
  • Founder of Public Image Ltd (PiL), a post-punk band.
  • Appeared on various reality television shows.
  • Lyricist and frontman.
  • Lost a legal battle with former bandmates over use of Sex Pistols music.
Steve Jones Steven Philip Jones September 3, 1955 (London, England) Guitar
  • Recorded solo albums.
  • Hosted a radio show.
  • Executive producer of the FX series "Pistol," a biopic about the Sex Pistols.
  • Suffered a heart attack in 2019.
  • Won a lawsuit against John Lydon allowing licensing of Sex Pistols music.
Paul Cook Paul Thomas Cook July 20, 1956 (London, England) Drums
  • Played in various bands post-Sex Pistols.
  • Won a lawsuit with Steve Jones against John Lydon.
  • Continued to be involved in music production.
Sid Vicious John Simon Ritchie May 10, 1957 (London, England) Bass
  • Briefly played with the band.
  • Embarked on a solo career.
  • Died of a drug overdose in 1979.
Glen Matlock Glen Matlock August 27, 1956 (London, England) Bass
  • Played with The Rich Kids and other bands
  • Returned to Sex Pistols for reunion tours
Source: Britannica
Sex Pistols Johnny Rotten Norway 1977 Poster Famous Rock Shop
Sex Pistols Johnny Rotten Norway 1977 Poster Famous Rock Shop
Unique Johnny Rotten Sex Pistols Print Digital Download Printable Wall
Unique Johnny Rotten Sex Pistols Print Digital Download Printable Wall
フライドン Sex Pistols『 JOHNNY ROTTEN』 80’s Tシャツ! ウッド
フライドン Sex Pistols『 JOHNNY ROTTEN』 80’s Tシャツ! ウッド

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