I Was A Teenage Sex Pistol

2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the release of the Sex Pistols’ debut single, Anarchy in the U.K.. Punk was born: loud, provocative, dirty, and raw. With a raised middle finger, the band sent shockwaves through a United Kingdom battered by economic crisis and unemployment.

In this uncompromising documentary, original bassist Glen Matlock tells the story from his own perspective, revealing the significant—and often surprising—role he played in the band's success. Drawing on a wealth of archival footage and interviews, the film, based on Matlock’s book of the same name, traces the origins of the band, the release of their first single, and their landmark debut album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols.

The album, which immediately faced censorship and boycott campaigns upon its release, is now regarded as one of the most important and influential records in pop music history. As a narrator, Matlock proves surprisingly gentle and reflective—far removed from the popular image of the abrasive Sex Pistols. It is therefore no surprise that he soon clashed with Johnny Rotten. Matlock left the band shortly after the release of the debut album, but his influence remains indelible.