Steve Jones, the iconic guitarist of the legendary punk band, has always been outspoken about his views, even when it comes to the name of his famous band. In a revealing discussion on the Rockonteurs podcast, Jones candidly shared that he was never particularly fond of the name Sex Pistols. “I actually didn’t like the name Sex Pistols,” Jones confessed. “I thought it sounded fruity to me.” This admission highlights his complex feelings about the band’s identity and how it was perceived by the public.

Despite his initial reservations about the Sex Pistols name, Jones ultimately accepted it, recognizing the pivotal role it played in their punk rock legacy. He credited the band’s manager, Malcolm McLaren, for significantly shaping the punk rock group’s image. However, he was quick to clarify that McLaren did not influence the band’s musical direction, dispelling myths that suggest otherwise.

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“There’s this stupid thing that goes around these days, that we’re like a boy band, and he was just pulling the strings,” Jones noted. “It’s such nonsense. He had nothing to do with the music, Malcolm. Nothing, zero.” His strong words underscore the misconception about the band’s dynamics, emphasizing that while McLaren had a huge impact on their image, he was not involved in their creative output.

“Don’t get me wrong. Malcolm played a big part. He played a massive part,” Jones continued. “Without a doubt. I don’t care what anyone says. And it was what it was. There was no leader [in the Sex Pistols]. I know John [Lydon] and Malcolm started butting heads because they’re kind of similar personality-wise.” This reflection illustrates the chaotic yet collaborative spirit of the band, characterized by strong personalities and creative tensions.

Revisiting the Chaos: The Sex Pistols’ Breakup and Reunion with a Fugitive

The Sex Pistols famously imploded in January 1978 during their tumultuous tour across the U.S. As the band navigated the pressures of fame, tensions escalated, driven in part by the destructive drug habits of bassist Sid Vicious. “By the time we got to America and ended in America, there was definitely … I’d had enough,” Jones admitted, shedding light on the internal struggles that plagued the band during this turbulent period.

However, instead of wallowing in despair following the band’s official breakup, Jones sought guidance from McLaren. “I thought, Come on, Malcolm, what are we going to do?” Jones recalled, illustrating his reliance on McLaren for direction. “As much as I want to think that Malcolm wasn’t looking after us, I didn’t care. He was my guy to go to. I would follow him rather than John.” This statement reflects the complicated relationships within the band and the influence McLaren had on Jones’s decisions.

In the aftermath of the band’s disbandment, McLaren arranged recording sessions for Jones and Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook in Brazil. Notably, notorious English criminal Ronnie Biggs joined the musicians and lent his vocals to the song “No One Is Innocent.” This collaboration, released in June 1978 under the Sex Pistols name, was a surprising twist in the band’s journey and added an unexpected layer to their legacy.

Reflecting on this experience, Jones described it as “brilliant.” “That was fun,” he recalled of the Sex Pistols’ brief post-breakup existence. “Then I became really messed up on dope. And then it just all went out the window.” This candid admission highlights the challenges he faced as he navigated fame, addiction, and the complexities of life after the band.