Official Sex Pistols diary to Octopus

Cassell Illustrated, part of the Octopus Publishing Group, has acquired the official, inside story of the Sex Pistols's "whirlwind year" of 1977, as told by the Sex Pistols and their collaborators.

Joe Cottington, commissioning editor at Octopus, secured world rights to the official Sex Pistols book -The Sex Pistols - 1977: The Bollocks Diaries – The inside story of the year that changed everything - in partnership with Richard O’Brien at Universal Music Group from Kevin Pocklington at Jenny Brown Associates and Anthony Mattero at Foundry Media. It will be published on the 26th October 2017 at £25.

"A book that fans will cherish", according to Cottington, it will be packed with first-hand stories of secret gigs, recording sessions, fights and record label "meltdowns", told by the people who were there, with photography and "rare items" from the Sex Pistols archives, including gig posters, early album art, and master tapes and notes from recording sessions.

The publication of the book will be supported by the band.

Cottington said: “The Sex Pistols sparked a cultural revolution that we’re still feeling the effects of 40 years later, and this incredible book gives a unique insight into the eye of the storm. It’s a special thrill to hear the band and their collaborators talk first-hand about the hysteria around ‘God Save the Queen’ and the blood, sweat and tears that went into the recording and release of ‘Never Mind the Bollocks...’ – it’s a book that fans will cherish.”

O’Brien added: “As the title says, 1977 was the year that the Sex Pistols changed everything in music and this book is a unique record of that remarkable time as only the band themselves can tell. We’re immensely proud to be working with the Sex Pistols and Octopus to bring this very special book to fans old and new.”