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Sex Pistols' Yorkshire Punk Baptism: 50 Years On
23 May
Summary
- Sex Pistols played in Northallerton and Scarborough in May 1976.
- Early gigs had small, critical crowds and no formal introductions.
- A later gig in Scarborough saw the band renamed SPOTS due to bans.
In May 1976, the Sex Pistols embarked on their first tour outside of London, playing previously unannounced gigs in Yorkshire. Their stop in Northallerton on May 19th saw a chaotic start, with the band emerging late to a small crowd. The following night, May 20th, they played Scarborough's Penthouse venue to a similarly modest audience, who were met with an unceremonious performance.
These early Yorkshire shows were a stark contrast to the band's later fame. Audiences were small and often critical, with the band opting not to be formally introduced. A broken string incident in Scarborough led to confusion when Rod Stewart was played, prompting Rotten's famous retort. The band then played Middlesbrough on May 21st, marking a significant early venture into the north of England.
By August 1977, the Sex Pistols had become a national phenomenon. Their return to Scarborough's Penthouse required them to play under the alias SPOTS (Sex Pistols On Tour Secretly) due to bans. This time, hundreds of fans packed the venue, creating a frenzied atmosphere, a far cry from their initial understated performances in the county.
