1977

Album: 1977 Revisited (1977)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • On December 1, 1976, the Sex Pistols appeared on the Today show, a local news programme for London, as a last minute substitute for Queen. Host Bill Grundy, a classical music fan, had nothing but contempt for the band and their entourage, and after goading them, they swore repeatedly including the dreaded F word. Punk had arrived.

    Co-written by lead guitarist Mick Jones and rhythm guitarist Joe Strummer, "1977" announced this new era: no Elvis, Beatles or Rolling Stones here. The latter would come true literally, because Elvis Presley died August 16 the same year. This short, snappy song was the B-side of "White Riot" but did not appear on the band's eponymous debut album which was released April 8. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments: 2

  • Philip Golden from Los AngelesTopper Headon very clearly did not contribute to writing this song, as he wasn't in the band yet.
  • Jeff from London, United KingdomGreat lyric, especially the end "In 1984."
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.