Holidays In The Sun

Album: Never Mind The Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols (1977)
Charted: 8
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • After getting hit with a great deal of negative publicity back home in London, The Sex Pistols felt like they had been trapped in a prison camp environment, so they decamped to the Channel Island of Jersey. The group was so notorious, they couldn't find a place to stay. Steve Jones and Paul Cook returned to England, but John Lydon and Sid Vicious continued on to Berlin, where they spent two weeks. The lyric was inspired by this trip, including their views over the Berlin Wall into communist East Berlin.
  • The opening riff bears a resemblance to The Jam's "In The City." Paul Weller of The Jam in the Uncut August 2007 issue confirmed he had a scrap with Sid Vicious in the Speakeasy Club over this song: "He started it and I finished it. I don't know if anyone can claim any victory. He just came up to me and he was going on about 'Holidays In The Sun' where they'd nicked the riff from 'In The City.' I didn't mind them nicking it - you've got to get your ideas from somewhere, haven't you? Anyway, he just came up and nutted me. So I returned it."

Comments: 3

  • Margie from St. Louis, MoOne of their best songs.
  • Mike from Matawan, NjThey're ALL phucking amazing on NMTB's. It still has a great raw edge to it over 30 years later. A fantastic snap shot of a particular time and place in not just rock but the Western World.
  • Sheeberson from Wrightsville Beach, Ncno comments? REALLY? this song is sooooooooooo amazing! i cant believe im the first one to comment... probably the best song on the album (at least in my opinion)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?