Before becoming the co-CEO of DC Studios, James Gunn was just a kid in suburban Missouri, inspired by what rock Rolling Stones is a perfect example of a group that has resonated with generations of fans. Music has become a universal language that is present every day, making it very easy for it to have an impact on people's lives.

In many ways, it makes sense that James Gunn would be inspired by punk music. This scene is very much like the comic scene, as it is revered and held in high esteem. On the one hand, both are closely protected, but they have also become global sensations. The main ingredient that each possesses is a rebellious attitude. In both genres, there is a desire to do things unconventionally. It's all about telling stories in whatever way each artist deems necessary, as long as it makes an impact.

James Gunn Considers The Sex Pistols' Album To Be "Life-Changing"

A New Attitude Was Born

In less than three years, the Sex Pistols made enough of an impact in their early career to cement their legacy. The only album they ever produced, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, arrived in October 1977. The platinum-selling record, which placed on the Billboard 200, reached every corner in the world, including suburban Missouri, where a young James Gunn grew up. Like many people when they first saw the band, Gunn was taken aback by them, but eventually he understood what the hype was all about.

As Gunn describes in an interview with NME, transcribed by Far Out Magazine, it took a while until his teenage years, but after buying their record, he was hooked: "I felt guilty listening to it for the first time – as a Catholic kid, the chant of ‘I am an Anti-Christ!’ didn’t sit easily… but it was forbidden and exciting." After getting hooked on the Sex Pistols, Gunn then became a fan of other punk bands such as the Ramones and The Clash.

This turned Gunn into a punk rock kid that he says he still is today. However, the album didn't just change his personality, it also influenced some of his work. According to Gunn, punk has always been an influence: "Punk has influenced the core of everything I have created from Tromeo & Juliet to Guardians of the Galaxy."

It's amazing how much of an impact music can have and, for Gunn, he continues to be shaped by his favorite bands from the late '70s. For as much as he was influenced, he surely isn't alone in being positively affected by the album, as it has reached far beyond just his universe.

This Sex Pistols Album Was So Influential For So Many Reasons

The Genre Was Left Inspired

During the 1970s, the punk genre took off and became one of the most talked-about in music. Many legendary bands emerged from this era, laying the foundation for those who would follow. The Sex Pistols' first album established them as pioneers, as it defied societal norms. It demonstrated what was possible when bands ventured beyond the conventional landscape. Part of the album's defiance stems from its sheer raw power and energy, making listeners feel in ways never seen before.

Additionally, the lyrics were viewed as controversial, providing other bands with different approaches to tackling subjects, even if they were uncomfortable. Beyond just their music, the band's appearance was another factor that influenced others. Their aesthetic was very DIY; they wore ripped clothes, safety pins, and leather jackets, among other things. They embodied a nonchalant attitude, doing as they pleased, not as they were told. In their own genre, they would influence bands such as Green Day, Bad Religion, and even contemporaries like the Buzzcocks.

Going beyond just punk, their influence extended to other genres, with bands such as Metallica and Motörhead citing them as inspirations. The way the band sang, played their instruments, and behaved was a universal language that could be applied to all forms of music. Even Rolling Stone has labeled the album as arguably the most influential punk record of all time, making it a key part of music history.

The Sex Pistols Are Continuing To Leave Their Mark

The Legacy Goes On

Although their initial run was short, the band has popped up over the years, including a memorable no-show for their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2006. They might not have graced the stage, but the fact they were selected shows exactly how highly their contributions are thought of. Even as of 2024, they have continued to tour, albeit without lead singer John Lydon (Johnny Rotten). At times, they may struggle to get along, but each member is trying to keep the name going in their own way.

In 2022, the band had a miniseries released about them called Pistol. It sparked much controversy, including the band fighting with their former lead singer over their rights, but it still made an impact. Looking beyond the controversy it caused, the true takeaway was how much people wanted to hear their story. Given that they were together for such a short time, it doesn't feel like there is a lot there, but the brief duration is exactly what makes the story intriguing.

Whether it be solo projects or with another band, their individual touches have been felt throughout the decades.

Outside of them being the Sex Pistols, each member has gone on to make music elsewhere. Whether it be solo projects or with another band, their individual touches have been felt throughout the decades. It doesn't appear a new album under their most famous banner will ever happen, but they have continued to release live albums, including from their pivotal 1978 tour. Regardless of what they choose to do next, the Sex Pistols will always be ed for the legacy they made that may never be replicated again.