Remembering Sid Vicious: Sex Pistols' Breakup, What He Did as Soloist, Cause of Death, Did He Kill His Girlfriend, and More

Sid Vicious made headlines over the years before his tragic and untimely death in February 1979.

Over 44 years ago, Sex Pistols' fans received shocking news about the death of the band's former bassist. He stayed with the band during its short-lived career and had a brief solo career afterward.

Decades after his death, there are still questions about Vicious fans are curious about.

Did Sid Vicious Kill His Girlfriend?

The music industry had its own Romeo and Juliet's love story as Vicious shared a romantic relationship with Nancy Spungen. Their relationship became the subject o the film, "Sid and Nancy," with Gary Oldman and Chloe Webb playing their roles respectively.

But like Romeo and Juliet, the couple started having a controversial and buzzworthy romance when they met in 1977 following Vicious' entry as Sex Pistols' new bassist after Glen Matlock.

As reported by The Daily Beast (via Newsweek), Spungen taught the musician everything that he showed before his death, including his sex life, lifestyle, and drug habits he had. Eventually, Vicious became the prime suspect in his girlfriend's murder when they stayed in the Chelsea Hotel.

At that time, Vicious called the reception for help after finding her with a stab wound in the stomach, but he was soon arrested and charged with the murder. Many authors and his fans believed he had nothing to do with his death, suggesting the murder was probably due to a burglary or drug deal-related issue.

Vicious got the chance to prove his innocence but died following his release on bail.

Sid Vicious' Cause of Death

In February 1979, the then-21-year-old former Sex Pistols bassist (other news outlets reported his age at death as 22 years old) was found dead in a Greenwich Village apartment while under indictment for murder.

The New York City Police Department and Medical Examiner's Office ruled Sid Vicious' cause of death as a heroin overdose, revealing that he consumed 80 percent pure substance on the evening of Feb. 1, 1979, and died in the wee hours of Feb. 2.

What Happened to Sid Vicious After Sex Pistols' Disbandment?

Despite only releasing one album before their breakup, Sex Pistols ultimately became one of the most influential bands of all time. They marked their last show in January 1978 at the Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco, leading the members to take on different endeavors.

After Sex Pistols' disbandment, Vicious instantly scored fame as a soloist while working with Spungen, who also served as his manager. He performed several solo shows in New York, but his career was cut short again after his girlfriend was found dead.

He did not pursue a music career again, as he died after having just been released from a rehabilitation facility.

Why Did Sex Pixtols Breakup?

Over the years, several rumors suggested the real reasons why the Sex Pistols breakup. In a compilation on Grunge's website, it cited Radio X's report regarding John Lydon's statement that the band would end after finishing their US tour.

The frontman's issues with other members, including Vicious' heroin consumption, made him feel disillusioned over the future of the group. He then reached the breaking point when he discovered that Malcolm McLaren wanted the band to go to Brazil to record an album Ronnie Biggs which, for him, was a "tacky" scheme.

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Sex Pistols