Sid Vicious was an English musician best known for being the bassist of the punk rock band the Sex Pistols. He was born John Simon Ritchie on May 10, 1957, in Lewisham, London, and became a cultural icon of the 1970s punk movement through his chaotic lifestyle and infamous relationship with Nancy Spungen.
Personal and Family Life
Sid Vicious grew up in a working-class family and was initially a member of the Sex Pistols after Glen Matlock left. He adopted a rebellious persona that matched the punk ethos of the time. Sid had a turbulent relationship with Nancy Spungen, which ultimately contributed to his struggles with addiction and mental health.
Career
Sid’s time with the Sex Pistols was marked by wild performances and a provocative image. He became known for his sneering attitude and reckless behavior, which earned both admiration and criticism. Sid’s solo career was cut short, but he is remembered for his unique musical contributions and lasting impact on punk culture.
Death and Legacy
Sid Vicious died on February 2, 1979, at just 21 years old from a heroin overdose. His death came just months after the tragic death of Nancy Spungen, for which he was implicated. Despite his short life, Sid became a legendary figure in rock music history, remembered as a symbol of the punk movement.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| The Filth and the Fury | 2000-03-29 | Self (archive footage) |
| The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle | 1980-09-11 | The Gimmick |
| Mr. Mike’s Mondo Video | 1979-09-20 | Self |
| D.O.A. | 1980-09-12 | Himself |
| Sex Pistols – Live at the Longhorn | 1978-01-10 | Himself |
| The Punk Rock Movie | 1978-06-09 | Self |
| Sex Pistols: Live in Winterland | 1996-07-29 | Self – Bass, Backing Vocals |
| Sex Pistols: Live at Budokan | 1996-08-23 | Himself |
| Sid! By Those Who Really Knew Him | 2009-11-24 | Himself |
| Sex Pistols: Buried Alive | 1988-05-16 | Himself |
| Sex Pistols: Decade… A Look Back (Unlimited Supply) | 1989-03-11 | Himself |
| Hey! Is Dee Dee Home? | 2003-09-03 | |
| Sad Vacation: The Last Days of Sid and Nancy | 2016-07-25 | |
| Sex Pistols: The Whole Story | 2011-01-01 | Himself |
| Two Sevens Clash: Dread Meets Punk Rockers | 2017-04-29 | Self |
| Never Mind the Baubles: Xmas ’77 with the Sex Pistols | 2013-12-26 | Sid Vicious (archive footage) |
| 25 Years of Punk | 2001-04-19 | Self (archive footage) |
| Classic Albums: Sex Pistols – Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols | 2002-11-19 | Self (archive footage) |
| Who Killed Nancy? | 2009-04-11 | Self – Musician (archive footage) |
| NY77: The Coolest Year in Hell | 2007-07-09 | Self (archive footage) (uncredited) |
| Punk and Its Aftershocks | 1980-05-10 | Self |
| Liam Gallagher: Knebworth 22 | 2022-11-17 | Self (archive footage) |
| Queen: Days of Our Lives | 2011-05-29 | Self (archive footage) |
| Here to be Heard: The Story of The Slits | 2018-04-18 | Self (archive footage) |
| Acceleration Punk | 1977-01-01 | |
| Histoire bruyante de la jeunesse (1949-2020) | 2020-11-21 | Self (archive footage) |
| Classic Albums | 1997-04-14 | Self (archive footage) |