Virgin Records and the Signing of The Sex Pistols

This episode follows the negotiation, logistics and cultural fallout as Virgin Records signed the Sex Pistols in 1976—examining how a fledgling independent label wrestled with legal risks, distribution, and the band’s controversial image to launch one of punk’s most iconic releases. It explores the scene infrastructure that made the deal possible, the impact on the band’s career, and the broader implications for punk’s relationship with the music industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices