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WHMP RRHOF 3.0- Anarchy in the CA


From:Scott
Date: Fri, 03 Mar 2006
To: Steve

Steve-

Ahh, the Sex Pistols. What more can be said about them that hasn't already been written or spoken or regurgitated in a bathroom toilet. One album, Steve. That's all it took for the band to influence pop culture, piss off just about everyone, fire their old bassist, watch their new bassist spiral into heroin addiction and kill his girlfriend, and self implode 14 days into their first US tour.

The band was in the news last week basically pissing on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Initially, guitarist Steve Jones expressed some excitement about the band playing the gig. But apparently, the $25K ticket price was too much (I agree). And, I believe there was some posturing going on too. After all, it wouldn't be very punk to accept an award from the mainstream, would it?

On a personal level, I recall the first time listening to "Never Mind the Bullocks". I had borrowed a cassette copy from Sally in the Spring of '88. It was soon after the whole Tennessee heartbreak and my emotions were pretty raw, to say the least. As I cruised around our suburban fortress, aimlessly driving to forget, and "Holidays In The Sun" came blasting over the shitty speakers of the RED VAN! It was like ripping a hole in my skin and bleeding to the music. I'll never forget it. I can only liken it to the first time I listened to Zeppelin. Who were these guys? And why were they so loud and angry? But I didn't care. I just wanted to beat on the steering wheel and drive faster. And when the cassette was done, I played it again. By the time I got home, I felt better, at least for a day or two.

As you spoke about your work situation last night, I couldn't think of a better song to let rip over your tiny computer speakers. It's raining here today. Perfect time for some anarchy.

Peace.

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