John Lydon's Handwritten Sex Pistols Lyrics Sold for $82,638
The Sex Pistols lyrics
An original set of handwritten lyrics by John Lydon (also known as Johnny Rotten) from the Sex Pistols' 1977 debut album Never Mind the Bollocks have sold for $82,638 at RR Auction's Marvels of Modern Music sale.
Written in black and green ballpoint pen on both sides of the manuscript, the lyrics include the complete early draft of Holidays in the Sun on one side and an early version of Submission on the other. They were previously exhibited at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Manchester's Urbis exhibition.
"The music auction marketplace is currently very strong, and this sale proves the enduring power of the Sex Pistols and the cultural revolution they ignited," said Bobby Livingston, Executive Vice President at RR Auction. "Blue-chip punk items are being purchased by collectors whose lives were transformed by the power of this music." The name of the American collector who placed the winning bid on the lyrics has not been released.
Other highlights from the auction included various items related to The Beatles, among them a signed photograph for their 1964 Australian tour ($83,278), a signed Magical Mystery Tour EP from the movie's launch party ($37,500), and a signed Love Me Do / P.S. I Love You 45 RPM single, the first Parlophone UK pressing ($24,079).
