Today commemorates the 32nd anniversary of the death of one of the most infamous musicians in history: Sid Vicious.
Born John Simon Ritchie in London, England, Vicious began his music career in the 1970s appearing in various punk bands around the city. In 1977 he got a huge break when he was asked to play bass guitar for the notorious English punk band, the Sex Pistols.
Punk rock has always been far more about attitude than musical ability; Sid Vicious had little ability, but more than enough attitude. He had the gnarled, dirty look that early punk rock displayed and the snarling, dangerous personality that few genuine punk rockers before or since have been able to emulate. The late 1970s is defined by punk rock and Vicious has always been the poster boy.
He persuaded Motorhead bassist Lemmy to teach him to play, which according to the rock god, was not a success. But Vicious persevered and taught himself to play along to records by the Ramones, reportedly over the course of one night. He could also sing and his version of “My Way” plays over the end credits of Goodfellas.
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