FX just released the trailer for its upcoming miniseriesPistol, based on the chaotic life of legendary English punk rock band the Sex Pistols, and it’s pretty much exactly what one would expect based on the first half of this sentence. Technically, it focuses more on guitarist and founding member Steve Jones, but it’s basically impossible to tell a story about the Sex Pistols without bringing them all in for the fun.
Featuring a surprisingly authentic-looking cast and filming style, the trailer offers curious viewers a glimpse at the utter madness and addictive depravity that the emblematic short-lived punk group brought to its comparatively tired country. Between the memorable tunes from the band’s only album and plenty of the irreverent energy that made them famous, it looks as thoughPistolwill provide an experience more tumultuous thana band practice inElden Ring. But it’s not just about unhinged imagery and loud punks. The Sex Pistols crammed a lot into their short and turbulent time together, and this miniseries appears ready to explore it all.
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Releasing later this month,Pistolis based on Jones' own memoirLonely Boy: Tales from a Sex Pistol, and will feature a story exploring the Sex Pistols' rise to fame and enduring influence. Originally consisting of Jones on guitar, Paul Cook on drums, Glen Matlock on bass, and vocalist John Lydon (better known by his stage name “Johnny Rotten”),the iconic band of misfitseventually brought in Sid Vicious (real name Simon John Ritchie) to replace Matlock and create its now unforgettable lineup. While they’re remembered for their music and empowering anarchist sensibilities, it’s easy to forget that the Sex Pistols were seen by many as bad influences for a number of pretty understandable reasons.
Vicious alone is enough toset any remotely conservative mind ablazeeven by today’s standards. Even before joining the band, he was a violent rebel who regularly got into fights and antagonized those around him. Between allegations that he murdered his girlfriend and his own rampant drug use (which ultimately led to his own death by heroin overdose at 21), it’s easy to see why he was such a divisive figure.Pistolwill likely offer some insight into those particularly nasty events for all the morbidly curious folks out there. The cast is pretty enticing too, featuringEnola Holmes' Louis Partridge as Vicious,The Witcher’s Emma Appleton as Vicious' girlfriend Nancy Spungen, and even Maisie Williams as influential punk model Jordan.
Aside from Vicious, the rest of the provocative band was scarcely any more restrained. They were so committed that they even rejected their own induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But it sort of goes in line with their style of music. Loud, unapologetic, and always spoiling for a fight, the music of the Sex Pistols was so impactful that they gained rock immortality after only releasing a single album (not counting the group’s latersoundtrack albumfor its mockumentaryThe Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle). 1977’sNever Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistolsis still widely considered one of the most influential albums of all time, and arguably the most important punk record ever created. With tracks like “Anarchy in the U.K.” and “God Save the Queen,” it’s a simple matter to see why such sentiments still prevail to this day.
The story of the Sex Pistols is definitely not for those looking to relax with a nice little binge, and the 6-episode run ofPistolwill surely offer some high-octane insanity that punk fans won’t want to miss. Make sure to check it out, but maybe also make sure the kids are fast asleep, preferably in another house.
Pistolwill begin streaming all 6 episodes starting May 31st on FX on Hulu.
