This Sunday April 13th, at 3:30pm at Queen St Brewhouse, I’ll be screening Sid & Nancy (1986), written and directed by Alex Cox (Repo Man) and co-written with Abbe Wool. The films stars Gary Oldman, Chloe Webb, Andrew Schofield, David Hayman, Xander Berkeley, and Courtney Love. Sid & Nancy is a British biographical film about Sid Vicious, bassist of the 70s punk rock band the Sex Pistols, and his drug fueled relationship with Nancy Spungen. The film bombed at the box office in 1986 but was well received by critics and is now considered a cult classic.

In London, England 1977, the British punk rock band the Sex Pistols are at the height of their fame with their new bass player Sid Vicious (Gary Oldman) known for his provocative style and behavior. During a tour, Sid meets Nancy Spungen (Chloe Webb), a heroin-addicted American groupie who came to London to meet the band. Sid rejects her advances at first but gradually starts a bond with her over heroin use. Over time, they both become inseparable, which starts to affect Sid’s relationship with the band and his health. When the band split on their American tour, Sid stays with Nancy, where their relationship becomes dangerously destructive.

According to various sources, e.g., interviews and autobiographies, Sid Vicious’s mother, Anne Beverley, tried to prevent the film for being made until director Alex Cox paid her a visit and talked her through the script. After which, she helped with the production by providing Vicious’s own metal chain and padlock for Gary Oldman to wear. Johnny “Rotten” Lydon, lead singer of the Sex Pistols, was less enthusiastic and tried to boycott the film from being released. Apparently, the only time Lydon was contacted was when Andrew Schofield (the actor who portrayed him) was requested to go meet him. However, Alex Cox claims they met for a drinks to discuss the script and that Lydon simply doesn’t remember.

After the movie, there will be a punk gig organised by Richard Benedetti called ”I Don’t Like Sundays” presents X-KAMINSKI plus THE BROKEN JOHNNY’S at the Brewhouse