The Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistols

Details
The Sex Pistols
A rare banned promotional poster Young Flesh Required, The Great Rock 'N' Roll Swindle, 1979, designed by Jamie Reid
27½x40in. (70x101.6cm.)
Literature
J. Reid & J. Savage Up They Rise: The Incomplete Works Of Jamie Reid, London, Faber & Faber, 1987, p.101 (illus.)

P. Burgess & A. Parker Satellite, London, Abstract Sounds, 1999, p. 105 (illus.)

Lot Essay

Reid recounts that the idea behind the 'credit card' image was to illustrate ...relationships within the music industry...just seeing the record company as nothing more than a huge pimp - and the band as prostitutes. American Express objected to the use of this image and obtained an injunction against Virgin claiming infringement of copyright, causing all material using the design to be withdrawn. On 15th October, 1979, Virgin Records sent out a press release stating that the debacle had so far cost Virgin 30,000 - when asked for his comment on the matter, Virgin Chairman Richard Branson declared "I shall not be using my American Express card much this week."

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