Holidays In The Sun

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some punk rock history as we spin "Holidays In The Sun" by the Sex Pistols from their iconic album Never Mind The Bollocks. This track, released as the band’s fourth single on October 14, 1977, was inspired by a chaotic trip to Berlin in March 1977, where the band fled to escape media scrutiny after being sacked by A&M Records. John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten, found lyrical inspiration at the Berlin Wall, describing the experience as thrilling yet claustrophobic, with East German guards pointing guns at them. He told Rolling Stone in 2017, “It was us, from our side, looking over the wall and [the Germans] are pointing guns at us.” The song’s opening riff sparked some controversy, bearing a resemblance to The Jam’s “In The City.” Paul Weller of The Jam recounted in a 2007 Uncut interview that Sid Vicious confronted him about the riff at the Speakeasy Club, leading to a physical altercation where Weller “finished it.”

Another tidbit for you Zoo Crew fans: the single’s original cartoon sleeve was pulled after a Belgian travel company issued an injunction, forcing a reissue in a plain white sleeve. A Sex Pistols official website post notes that the B-side, “Satellite,” isn’t on the main Never Mind The Bollocks album but can be found on the 40th Anniversary Box Set released in 2017. No promo video was filmed for the single at the time, though a 2012 video, edited by longtime collaborator Julien Temple, was compiled from previously unreleased footage for the Never Mind The Bollocks super deluxe box set. On X, the band’s account shared on October 15, 2022, that the 7-inch single hit shelves in 1977, cementing its place in punk history. Rolling Stone also ranked the track #43 on their list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Songs of All Time, praising Steve Jones’ relentless riffs.

The Sex Pistols formed in London in 1975, a product of the gritty, rebellious underbelly of the UK’s music scene. Managed by Malcolm McLaren, the band—originally Johnny Rotten (vocals), Steve Jones (guitar), Paul Cook (drums), and Glen Matlock (bass)—came together through McLaren’s fashion boutique, SEX, a hub for counterculture. Their raw, aggressive sound and provocative lyrics, as seen in early gigs at London’s 100 Club, quickly drew attention. Matlock was replaced by Sid Vicious in 1977, whose chaotic presence amplified the band’s notoriety. Their debut single, “Anarchy in the U.K.,” released in 1976, set the stage for their explosive impact, with Never Mind The Bollocks dropping in 1977 as a defining punk manifesto. Despite their short initial run, disbanding in 1978 after Vicious’s death in 1979, the Sex Pistols remain one of the most influential acts in music history, as noted on Last.fm.

Stay connected with the Sex Pistols through their Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts for updates on reissues and merch. Fans can also dive into the band’s legacy at John Lydon’s official website for insights into his post-Pistols work with Public Image Ltd. For Zoo Freaks looking to join the community, check out the Sex Pistols Fans Facebook group, where devotees share rare photos, memorabilia, and stories. Another great spot is Punk77, a fan site packed with detailed histories, interviews, and archival content celebrating the Pistols and the broader punk movement.