The Clash song that pays tribute to Sid Vicious: “I’ve lost some friends”

Posted On October 20, 2024October 20, 2024

Ripples of punk can be found in each corner of modern music, and the Sex Pistols were the sinking stone that caused them all. When songs like ‘God Save The Queen’, ‘Anarchy In The UK’ and ‘Pretty Vacant’ came out, the energy embedded within the tracks and the no-holds-barred messages that were so clearly conveyed sparked something in the public that can still be felt today.

The way that the punk lifestyle manifested varied from person to person. Some people held the leather jacket, spikey hair, and anarchy symbols at a distance, whereas others embraced them wholeheartedly. One of these people was Sid Vicious, who seemed to thrive on the chaos that came with punk music.

As the bassist for Sex Pistols, Vicious could channel the band’s rage into his musicianship but then also enjoyed the spoils that came with being a musician. This meant going to parties, living a chaotic lifestyle and, eventually, submerging himself in drugs.

Musicians struggling with their addictions is all too common a tale. Sid Vicious became hooked on different drugs, which, unfortunately, led to his passing. On February 2nd, 1979, Sid Vicious died of a heroin overdose. Although he was a divisive figure, and his death brought up an uncomfortable situation about the circumstances leading up to it, the punk movement was hit hard.

Sex Pistols were more than just a nuisance that stood up to authority; they were a musical revolution. The country was becoming unrecognisable, the divide between the poor and the wealthy was expanding, and music, which was so often a release for people, was becoming equally inaccessible. Sex Pistols represented a change in direction, one that spoke out against the state of the country and brought music back to the fans.

Their belief in what they were doing, the raw appeal of their live shows and the chaotic nature of their music inspired bands up and down the country. Musical outfits like The Clash wouldn’t have made such a name for themselves if not for Sex Pistols, and as such, when news of Sid Vicious’ passing reached Joe Strummer, he put his sadness to the song. 

‘Hateful’ was a track released by The Clash in 1979. It formed a part of their hit album London Calling and featured a big anti-drug message. They talk about being addicted to heroin in the song and the turmoil that comes with such an unrelenting addiction. “Anything I want, he gives it, but not for free,” they say, “It’s hateful, and it’s paid for, and I’m so grateful to be nowhere.”

Strummer was close friends with Sid Vicious, and so there is a line in the song specifically catered to him. Though it’s only brief, it clearly shows that he was sad by the news of his passing and the horrible drug that took him. “This year, I’ve lost some friends,” simple but clear.

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