Members
Select a Sex Pistols band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
About
Sex Pistols is a seminal English punk rock band known for their raw energy and rebellious spirit. Formed in London in 1975, the group initially consisted of Johnny Rotten (vocals), Steve Jones (guitar), Glen Matlock (bass), and Paul Cook (drums). Glen Matlock was later replaced by Sid Vicious on bass, solidifying the lineup that would go on to become iconic. The Sex Pistols are credited with igniting the punk movement in the UK and influencing countless bands worldwide with their aggressive sound and anti-establishment ethos. Their music is characterized by its straightforward, no-frills approach, earning them a reputation as one of the most influential groups in rock history.
How to Sound Like Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols' sound is unapologetically gritty and confrontational, marked by powerful, overdriven guitar riffs and aggressive, sneering vocals. Steve Jones' guitar work often features the use of Gibson Les Paul Custom guitars, which deliver a thick, sustaining tone, and his amplifiers, such as the Marshall JCM800, provide the raw, punchy sound that defines the band's recordings. The driving force of the music is further propelled by Cook's straightforward drumming and the visceral bass lines originally by Matlock and later by Vicious, which add to the anarchic vibe. Musicians seeking to emulate the Sex Pistols should focus on capturing this raw, energetic sound that rejects polish in favor of pure, unfiltered expression.
Discography
Spunk (Bonus Track Edition)
1977
Never Mind The Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols
1977
The Great Rock 'N' Roll Swindle
1979
No Future UK?
1989
Filthy Lucre (Live)
1996
In Concert (Sex Pistols Tapes Collection)
2015
Punk Revolution, Vol.1 (Live)
2015
Live In The USA 1978
2019
The Original Recordings
2022
Get the Sex Pistols Sound
Want to sound like Sex Pistols? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.