11. Vicious Cost the Sex Pistols Their Recording Contract
Even in the punk scene, a violent drug-addicted bassist who can’t play his instrument isn’t great for business. Record labels and the music industry as a whole were fully aware of Sid Vicious’ erratic and often violent behavior including domestic violence, vandalism, rampant drug abuse, and self-mutilation. The final straw for EMI, the Sex Pistols’ label, came at Heathrow Airport in 1977.
In 1977, the band had a massive brawl in the middle of Heathrow Airport with the members yelling at airport staff and spitting on each other. Even for a punk band, this wasn’t acceptable public conduct, especially outside of a show, and the group was unceremoniously dropped from EMI’s roster. A&M’s label decided to take a chance on the band and signed them immediately after EMI’s dismissal.
A&M celebrated the signing by holding a press conference outside Buckingham Palace and then inviting the band, press, and more to a party at A&M’s office. During the party, Vicious became unruly and vandalized the director of A&M’s office and vomited all over his desk. A&M dropped the Sex Pistols from their label only six days after signing them. This event serves as an excellent reminder to not bite the hand that feeds you, despite how punk it may seem at the time.