Virgin Records’ Risky Deal With the Sex Pistols

This episode traces how Richard Branson’s fledgling Virgin label signed the notorious Sex Pistols, turning an underground controversy into a global music moment. We look at the context that made Virgin take on the band—London’s chaotic scene, the label’s independent roots, and the economic gamble—and examine what the record’s release meant for punk’s relationship to mainstream industry and DIY culture.

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