Universal Music Group announced this week that it will be releasing a new compilation from legendary punk rockers the Sex Pistols. “The Original Recordings” is slated for a May 27 release to coincide with a new FX television series, “Pistol,” which is based on the memoir of Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones. The 20-track set will be released in a variety of formats and centers on music recorded by the band between 1976-1978. Singer Johnny Rotten (John Lydon) is not supportive of the new release which is not all that surprising given his recent court dispute with fellow bandmates Jones and drummer Paul Cook over the licensing of the band’s music for use in the “Pistol” series.
“Universal Music Group have announced the release of a new Sex Pistols compilation entitled The Original Recordings,” a statement on Rotten’s socials read. “For the avoidance of any doubt, John Lydon has not approved this compilation and does not endorse or support it. He has not approved the artwork or track listing. He and his team were not involved in producing this compilation and consider it substandard compared to previous Universal releases since 2012.”
Rotten had previously told The Sunday Times of the “Pistol” series: “I think that’s the most disrespectful sh*t I’ve ever had to endure. I mean, they went to the point to hire an actor to play me but what’s the actor working on? Certainly not my character. It can’t go anywhere else [but court].” Rotten also said that he met the show’s director, Danny Boyle, during the opening ceremony for the 2021 London Olympics. “Sorry, you think you can do this,” Rotten said referring to Boyle, “like walk all over me — it isn’t going to happen. Not without a huge, enormous f*cking fight. I’m Johnny, you know, and when you interfere with my business you’re going to get the bitter end of my business as a result. It’s a disgrace.” Rotten has claimed the “Pistol” script was written without his consent.
The Sex Pistols were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame but famously refused to attend the ceremony to receive the honor. Their 1977 album, “Never Mind The Bollocks,” has been cited as a major influence for The Clash, Kurt Cobain, Noel Gallagher, Green Day and Joy Division, among many others.
