Malcolm McLaren’s ‘The Great Rock ’n’ Roll Swindle’: Unpacking Myth, Memory, and Punk’s Narrative Machine

In this episode we trace Malcolm McLaren’s 1979–80 documentary, ‘The Great Rock ’n’ Roll Swindle’, examining how the film re‑framed punk’s origins, why the Sex Pistols were shown through a glossy lens, what the band members actually recalled from rehearsals, Ronnie Biggs’ cameo and the ensuing legal tangle over licensing. We unpack the battle between mythmaking and documentary truth and consider how this film shaped punk’s narrative.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices