It’s almost 40 years since the iconic punk album Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols notoriously hit the shelves of reluctant record shops in 1977. The record was to be the only studio album that the band would make but yet, they would go down in history as one of the best punk bands of all time.

Though punk already existed, many refer to the Sex Pistols debut as a pivotal moment for the genre and had an impact on the culture of the time. Many of the music charts banned the album from their listings for its controversial stature. Instead, they left a blank space. The media demonised the band and parents feared them which made their music more desirable to an angsty teenager.

Their notoriety swelled, even more, when Branson threw a boat party on the Thames River during the Queen’s Jubilee featuring music from the Sex Pistols- more notably the song ‘God Save The Queen’. Sadly, the boat was quickly docked and everyone was arrested. But rather than quenching the band’s message to the establishment, it fuelled the anarchist spirit.

USM/UMC are releasing a 40th anniversary super deluxe edition of the album. It will contain 3CDs which include the original studio album with B-sides, outtakes and live material including a live DVD of the boat party. A 48-page book will be accompanying the CDs, with rare photos from famous rock photographers like Bob Gruen and a narrative from music journalist Pat Gilbert.

Though the album can be enjoyed now, the record was almost not released. The band were dropped by two record labels and refused by many. Probably due to the band swearing in the face of Bill Grundy or having a reputation of being banned from live shows across the UK. Eventually, the record was released proudly by the hands of Richard Branson’s newly formed company Virgin Records. The rest is history.