Sex Pistols
ListenAnarchy in the U.K. · 1976
Sex Pistols — “Anarchy in the U.K.,” official audio from Never Mind the Bollocks.
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1976 · EMI
Anarchy in the U.K. / I Wanna Be Me
The Sex Pistols’ first single carried both a declaration of intent and a small production error. This promotional copy credits Chris Thomas on both sides, although Dave Goodman produced “I Wanna Be Me.” [1] [2]
| Accession | OMMA-0052 |
|---|---|
| Artist | Sex Pistols |
| Release | 1976 · United Kingdom |
| Label | EMI · EMI 2566 |
| Format | 7-inch vinyl single · 45 rpm |
| Issue | Promotional issue · Chris Thomas B-side miscredit |
| Runouts | A: EMI 2566 A-1 · ζ B: EMI 2566 B-2 · ζ |
| Recorded grade | E · VG+ sleeve |
Release history and significance
“Anarchy in the U.K.” was recorded at Wessex Studios in October 1976, with Chris Thomas producing and Bill Price engineering. Price recalled that the band initially treated the studio staff as part of the establishment. Once he explained that their job was to help, the tension eased and the sessions became cooperative. [3]
Thomas wanted the drums to sound like “dustbins being kicked downstairs.” Price gave Paul Cook the open studio floor, placing the other instruments behind screens and using room microphones to capture the reverberation. The recording’s impact grew from this practical work as well as the performance. [3]
EMI released the single on 26 November 1976. It reached number 38 in the UK chart; the early B-side credit was subsequently corrected to Goodman. This copy preserves that first label state. [1] [2]
Market context
A DJ promotional copy with the Chris Thomas miscredit sold for £236 on 23 November 2014 after fifteen bids. The seller graded the disc M− and described a discoloured clear vinyl sleeve. [4]
Physical Description
Black vinyl in an EMI company paper sleeve. The B-side label names Chris Thomas as producer; Dave Goodman produced that recording. No inserts are present. [1] [2]
Condition
The disc is graded E, with strong gloss, light superficial scuffing and a small fingernail mark on the A-side visible in reflected light. The labels are clean and unmarked. The company sleeve is graded VG+, with creasing and ring wear.
Provenance
Acquired from eBay seller thatspropaganda66 in November 2025.
Sources
- Discogs, Sex Pistols — Anarchy in the UK, release 5648287. Promotional edition with the Chris Thomas miscredit.
- Sex Pistols official discography, Anarchy in the UK 7-inch. Release, chart position and corrected production credit.
- Richard Buskin, Sound on Sound, September 2004. Interview with Bill Price about the Wessex recording.
- Popsike, archived eBay auction. £236 promotional-copy sale, 23 November 2014.
Catalogue text reviewed 13 September 2026.