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Life & Arts

Sex Pistols hit town ... sort of

Tribute band to pay homage to legendary punk rock act

by JASON GAGNON
The Daily Cougar

It is an undeniable truth that The Sex Pistols were one of the greatest rock 'n' roll bands of all time. Within a little more than a year, the group managed to create worldwide controversy, had a No. 1 single that was banned from the British charts and quite crudely changed the face of music forever. Sure, they ripped off the New York Dolls and the Ramones, but it was the marketing genius of Malcolm McClaren combined with the trash fashion of Vivian Westwood that made The Sex Pistols such great tabloid fodder. 

Upon imploding during their U.S. tour, The Sex Pistols' abrupt end left a void in the punk rock revolution that was never quite filled. No band could be as shocking, repulsive and brilliant as this band was. Reuniting in 1996 and '03 for some atrocious reunion shows, fans young and old were asking each other the same question singer Johnny Rotten did at the band's final show: "Ever get the feeling you're being cheated?"

Fortunately, fans are now able to witness the music, mayhem and misery that were the core of the Sex Pistols via a tribute band, The Sex Pistols Experience, on Wednesday night at the Meridian, 1503 Chartres St. But don't think you're going to see some bar band playing "Bodies" and "God Save the Queen" off-key. What makes The Sex Pistols Experience so unique is that it is comprised of well-trained actors and musicians who capture every nasty nuance of the group's performance while taking a break to re-enact the band's legendary Never Mind the Bollocks tour and other historical highlights. It is a truly innovative concept (and hey, The Sex Pistols story does make great theater) and one that has made the tribute show one of the most sought-after performances in the world.

The Living Dolls will be opening the show with the now notorious DJ Bill Fool spinning the best in old-school punk rock throughout the night. It's a party you don't want to miss.
 

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