The last episode in the first series of Granada Television's late night magazine programme presented by Tony Wilson (broadcast only in the Manchester area on 4 September 1976) featured the debut TV appearance of the Sex Pistols. Opening with a shout of "Get off your arse", Rotten and co delivered a furious, brutally intense rendition of 'Anarchy in the UK'. Journalist Charles Shaar Murray described it as "the most utterly immediate thing I've ever seen on television". Sharing the programme with the Pistols were Dr Hook, Peter Cook and Clive James.
Produced and presented So It Goes and inspired by the Sex Pistols founded the legendary Manchester label Factory Records.
Jordan
Shop assistant at 'Sex'
An audience member at the recording.
Related Programme
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A tale of two cities, London and New York and the birth of punk.
Have Your Say
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Jon, Gloucester Bloody excellent programme. The Pistols on "So It Goes" is one of the best live performances of all time.
kevin brighton more punk rock
Dave, Bath Although I've enjoyed what the series has had to offer and learnt from it, I'm saddened that punk history seems to have been re-written with the programme majoring on Pistols and the Clash, while completely ignoring The Stranglers. They don't even feature on this site, and given that they are the UK's most consistent recording act between 1977 & 1992, surely deserve some attention?
Tony Wilson
Producer
Produced and presented So It Goes and inspired by the Sex Pistols founded the legendary Manchester label Factory Records.
Jordan
Shop assistant at 'Sex'
An audience member at the recording.