PHOTOSSex Pistols Take Over Buckingham Palace! See Upcoming Biopic Film Band's Iconic Signing Ceremony — Photos
The Pistol actors playing the Sex Pistols bandmates recreated the infamous March 10, 1977, day when the band signed their deal with A&M Records — which they were dropped by one week later — outside Buckingham Palace.
While the band, who completely transformed British society and culture in the mid-70s, actually signed their deal a day earlier, John Lydon (a.k.a. Johnny Rotten), Steve Jones, Glen Matlock, Paul Cook and Sid Vicious wanted to put on a show for the cameras and pose in front of the palace with their signed contract.
The Sex Pistols were previously dropped from label EMI over their controversial music, which caused backlash from the mainstream.
Despite their excitement over their new deal, A&M Records quickly dropped the punk-rock crew after the band caused chaos at their signing after-party in their London office. Apart from Vicious cutting himself after smashing up a bathroom and leaving a trail of blood around the building, Rotten was apparently shouting obscenities to anyone and everyone he saw.
Meanwhile, Jones was allegedly caught having sex with a fan in the bathroom.
In Danny Boyle's new six-part TV drama, Anson Boon plays Rotten, Louis Partridge portrays bassist Vicious, Jacob Slater plays drummer Cook and Toby Wallace takes on guitarist Jones.
Scroll through to see the actors in the FX series, based on Jones' memoir, filming the monumental scene.
The 17-year-old completely transformed into Vicious, rocking his signature studded, leather jacket and spiky black hair.
The cast appeared to be in good spirits, as they were messing around behind the scenes.
The boys had themselves a laugh in between filming.
The actors piled into the vintage Rolls Royce to be driven up to the palace for their ceremony signing.
The band's manager, Malcolm McLaren, came up with the idea for the boys to sign in front of the palace as a play on their second single, "God Save The Queen," which was a scathing attack on the monarchy.
A&M decided to destroy the copies of "God Save The Queen" following the after-party incident, making the copies that did get out more valuable than ever.
While the band was eager to attend their ceremony to show off their new deal, the members did not attend their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, calling the Rock Hall a "piss stain."
The six-part TV drama will follow the Sex Pistols' rise to fame and their connection to Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren's sex shop on Kings Road.
Pistols will be released on FX and Hulu in 2022.
