Anarchy in the UK
Cook/Jones/Matlock/Rotten

Produced by Chris Thomas
Engineered by Bill Price
Recorded at Wessex Studios, London, October 1976

Vocals: John Rotten
Guitar: Steve Jones
Bass: Glen Matlock
Drums: Paul Cook

The Sex Pistols debut 7" single released on EMI Records in November 1976. Despite being banned from radio and receiving many negative reviews the record reached Number 38 in the UK charts before being withdrawn by the record company.

EMI decided to withdraw the single after the media furore of the band's appearance on the 'Today' show; where interviewer Bill Grundy goaded the Pistols into swearing live on early evening TV. By January 1977 EMI had buckled to internal pressure and sacked the Sex Pistols. Honouring their £40,000 contract in full.

Now widely regarded as the definitive punk anthem it is important to understand the impact the single had on its release and remember the subject matter. 'Anarchy in the UK' sounded like nothing that had came before and unleashed the Pistols to a wider audience. An audience probably more used to chart toppers like Showaddywaddy and Abba! Things would never be the same again...

B-side 'I Wanna Be Me' does not feature on the 'Never Mind The Bollocks' album, but is currently available on the 'Kiss This' compilation CD and Sex Pistols 3 CD Box Set.

The single was released on 7" only, and originally issued in a plain black sleeve, before being reissued in a standard EMI sleeve after initial copies mis-credited production of the b-side to Chris Thomas instead of Dave Goodman. Follow this link for more information on Anarchy in the UK artwork…

Virgin Records re-issued Anarchy in the UK in various formats in 1983 and 1992. The 7" single was re-issued in its original form as part of the limited edition 2007 vinyl re-issue series.

Follow this link for quotes on the single from the band…

Follow this link for Anarchy in the UK lyrics...

A promo video for the single was filmed and is available to watch via our Videos Page…

Sleeve Variations and Imports etc

Re-issue in standard EMI sleeve with corrected B-side credits, 1976

German release, with different sleeve, EMI Electora Records 1976