Punk svengali and master manipulator Malcolm McClaren engineered the Sex Pistols’ ill-fated tour of the American South in 1978 to maximize mayhem and build upon their already notorious reputation. Deliberately avoiding venues in major cities where the audiences might actually appreciate the band, instead their gigs were booked on an endless circuit of remote redneck bars. The result was a grueling, violent exercise in culture shock. By the time the Pistols reached San Francisco, the tension was unbearable. The band was falling apart. In addition to their “warm reception” below the Mason-Dixon line, putting hopeless junkie Sid Vicious on the road rather than rehab complicated matters exponentially. During their final concert at the Winterland, Johnny Rotten historically ended their cover of The Stooges’ “No Fun” mocking the audience. “Ever get the feeling you’ve been cheated?” Indeed. This would be Johnny Rotten’s last time touring with band until 1996. And 2003. And 2007.

The Filth and The Fury
BBC piece on the end of the Sex Pistols