In a recent trip down memory lane, Captain Sensible, the eccentric guitarist from the British punk band the Damned, revealed an unexpected tidbit from the past. It seems he played a significant role in teaching the notorious Sid Vicious of the Sex Pistols the ropes of the bass guitar. The story, as told in NME’s Does Rock ‘N’ Roll Kill Braincells?! Quiz shed light on the complex and intertwined history of these pioneering punk bands.
According to the charismatic Damned guitarist, Sid Vicious, known as much for his turbulent personal life as for his musical contributions, was actually quite impressionable. Captain Sensible remembers him fondly, sharing a few memories of the times they spent together. They had a bit of a tradition, it seems, of stirring up trouble together over a few drinks. But beyond their riotous adventures, Sensible played a crucial role in Sid’s musical journey.
In an unconventional method of teaching, the Damned guitarist would leave Sid in front of a stereo, playing the ‘Ramones’ album on a loop. His simple instruction to the future Sex Pistols bassist was to mimic the riffs he heard while Captain Sensible himself headed off to the local pub. It might not be the most orthodox method, but it certainly gives a unique insight into the free-wheeling punk rock spirit of the time.
Here is what the musician shared about his relationship with Vicious:
“Sid was very impressionable, sadly. I liked him. We’d get drunk together and cause havoc. In fact, I helped him learn to play the bass – which only extended to standing him in front of the ‘Ramones’ album on repeat and saying: ‘Copy their riffs!’ while I went to the pub. I know who was coercing Sid into throwing that pint glass at that gig. She’s now deceased and was a Dame of the realm, but I won’t say anymore!”
As it turns out, the time the Sex Pistols bassist hurled a pint glass at the Damned during a gig had a deeper backstory. It wasn’t just a random act of rebellion but was allegedly fueled by Sid’s disappointment over the Damned’s choice of Dave Vanian as their frontman, a role Vicious apparently had his eye on. Captain Sensible, in his inimitable style, hinted at a deceased Dame of the realm who might have instigated the pint-throwing incident. However, ever the gentleman, he refrained from naming her.
