5. Vicious Engaged In Self-Mutilation
In addition to his drug abuse, Vicious also used self-mutilation to tackle his demons. During the Sex Pistol’s American tour, a cowboy invited Sid Vicious to his table and put his cigarette out in his own hand and challenged Vicious to do the same. Vicious responded by cutting his hand and allowing blood to run down his hand and all over his food, which he continued to eat. He reportedly horrified everyone watching, including the macho cowboy.
Upon reaching Dallas on their American tour, Vicious supposedly carved “gimme a fix” into his chest using a mirror and a shard of glass. Carving words or shapes into oneself with a sharp object is a common trait among those who practice self-mutilation. Such actions are why self-mutilation is often simply referred to as “cutting.”
Vicious’ behavior seemed particularly amplified during the American tour. While performing at the Longhorn Ballroom, also in Dallas, Texas, Vicious reportedly yelled “cowboys are queers” over and over again in an attempt to rile the audience. He didn’t stop until an audience member rushed the stage and punched him in the face. Instead of tending to his injury, Vicious played the rest of the show covered in dripping blood.