Sid Vicious

The Pure Face of Punk

Sid Vicious : Listen on Real Audio

Sid Vicious is the most popular and visible icon of the punk movement, and for good reason. Sid joined the Sex Pistols in 1977. He was recruited by manager Malcolm McLaren who wanted Sid because he had the attitude and the look - so the old bass player was kicked out and Sid was in.

With McLaren's vision and the styling of Vivienne Westwood Sid became the pure face of punk, and he had the natural attitude to match.

Sid was described by many as likeable and maybe even a little bit introverted. He was born in London as "John Simon Richie", and sarcastically dubbed "Sid Vicious" by band mate John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) - Sid was named after John's hamster "Sid the Vicious" who had a habit of biting people.

Despite only having a handful of recordings and dubious musical talent, John Simon Richie achieved legend status as "Sid Vicious" - the embodiement of punk.