Sex Pistols "Never Mind the Bollocks"

The Sex Pistols' studio album, "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols", was released on October 28, 1977, by Virgin Records in the UK and Warner Bros. Records in the US. The album had a significant impact on the music industry and has influenced numerous musicians and bands. The album's aggressive energy and Johnny Rotten's unique vocal style are widely regarded as groundbreaking. It is commonly considered one of the greatest and most important albums of all time, frequently being referred to as the most influential punk album.

The Sex Pistols experienced tumultuous internal relationships, and their lineup changed during the recording of the album. Glen Matlock, the original bass guitarist, left the band early in the recording process. Although he is credited as a co-writer on all but two of the tracks, he only performed on one track, "Anarchy in the U.K". Sid Vicious replaced him as the new bass player and is credited on two songs written by the band after he joined. However, due to his limited skill on the instrument, guitarist Steve Jones played bass on many of the tracks. The band's drummer Paul Cook, Jones, and Rotten appear on every track. Chris Thomas and Bill Price led the recording sessions, with some sessions having both producers working together. Since some songs were poorly documented or combined mixes from various sessions, both producers are credited on every song.

At the time of the album's release, The Sex Pistols were already controversial due to profanity on live TV, being fired from two record labels, and being banned from playing live in some parts of Britain. The album title added to the controversy, with some finding the word "bollocks" offensive. Some record stores refused to carry it, and some record charts left its title blank instead of listing it.

Despite the controversy, the album debuted at number one on the UK Album Charts and achieved advance orders of 125,000 copies within a week of its release. It went gold only a few weeks later and remained a best-seller for almost a year, spending 48 weeks in the top 75. The RIAA has certified the album platinum, and it has seen several reissues, including one in 2017.

In 1987, Rolling Stone named the album the second best of the previous 20 years, behind only the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. In 2006, Time magazine chose it as one of the 100 greatest albums ever. In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked it 73rd on their list of the 500 greatest albums of all time.