Vicious White Kids
| Company type | Punk rock ensemble |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Defunct | 1978 |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Live recordings of 1978 Electric Ballroom concert |
Vicious White Kids was a London-based English punk rock ensemble, assembled exclusively for a one-time show on 15 August 1978 at the Electric Ballroom. The lineup featured former Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious as the frontman, marking his last live UK appearance before his death from a heroin overdose in the subsequent February.
Live recordings from this event, including renditions of Frank Sinatra's "My Way" and the Stooges' "I Wanna Be Your Dog", have been issued repeatedly: initially in 1991 (DeLorean Records), then 1993 (Receiver Records), followed by 2002 (Castle Records), and most recently in 2007 (Sanctuary Records). The 2007 edition also contains interviews with Matlock and Scabies.
Formation
In need of funds prior to traveling to New York, Vicious reached out to former bandmate Glen Matlock, who embraced the opportunity to show that no hostility remained between them. Matlock brought in his colleague from Rich Kids, guitarist Stella Nova, along with the Damned drummer Rat Scabies. Vicious’ partner, Nancy Spungen, contributed backing vocals but was muted during the performance due to inadequate rehearsal results. The band's name was derived by combining Sid Vicious, the Rich Kids, and Rat Scabies’ side project, the White Cats.
Music Style
The sound of Vicious White Kids is rooted firmly in intense punk rock, reminiscent of the style associated with Matlock and Vicious’ previous group, the Sex Pistols.
Vicious White Kids; Live at the Electric Ballroom
Their sole concert took place at the Electric Ballroom in Camden Town, London, a venue renowned for hosting significant music events.
The setlist comprised covers from influential acts such as the Stooges, Ramones, Frank Sinatra, and the New York Dolls, including the controversial Sex Pistols song "Belsen Was a Gas".
Additional tracks performed were "Chatterbox" (New York Dolls), "Tight Pants" (Iggy and the Stooges), Frank Sinatra’s “[My Way]”, Eddie Cochran’s “C'mon Everybody” and “Somethin' Else”, Dave Berry's "Don't Give Me No Lip", “(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone” (the Monkees), and “I Wanna Be Your Dog” (Stooges).
Disbandment
The Electric Ballroom show remained the group's only full live performance. Following this event, the band ceased activity and officially dissolved after Nancy Spungen’s death in October 1978 and Sid Vicious’ arrest followed by his fatal heroin overdose in February 1979.
After disbanding, Matlock worked with musicians including Iggy Pop and the London Cowboys. Drummer Rat Scabies continued his career across various ensembles. Guitarist Steve New engaged sporadically in music before passing away in 2010.
This single concert has been issued multiple times: by DeLorean Records in 1991, Castle Records in 2002, and Sanctuary Records in 2007. A complete 31-minute video recording of the performance is also accessible on YouTube.
Members
- Sid Vicious – lead vocals
- Glen Matlock – bass guitar
- Steve New – guitar
- Rat Scabies – drums
- Nancy Spungen – backing vocals (not audible)
Selected discography
Their only live show has seen several releases.
Song list
- "C'mon Everybody" (Eddie Cochran)
- "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone" (The Monkees)
- "Don't Gimme No Lip" (Dave Berry)
- "I Wanna Be Your Dog" (Iggy and the Stooges)
- "Belsen Was a Gas" (Sex Pistols)
- "Chatterbox" (New York Dolls)
- "Tight Pants (Shake Appeal)" (Iggy and the Stooges)
- "Something Else" (Eddie Cochran)
- "My Way" (Frank Sinatra)
- [additional track on later editions] Interview with Glen Matlock and Rat Scabies
External links
- Conversation with Rat Scabies regarding Vicious White Kids from online magazine trakMARX