Sex Pistols Virgin Money

Sex Pistols to feature on credit cards: the ultimate sell-out move?

No, this is not a pisstake. Unfortunately, its also not all that surprising. I kind of wish it was at least one of those things, because this is some serious bullshit bollocks. In an effort to “shake up U.K banking”, major empire Virgin have enlisted perhaps one of the most iconic symbols of anti-establishment propaganda: the artwork from Sex Pistols 1977 record Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols.

Okay, so, Sex Pistols might have been somewhat of a manufactured brand band, but they yielded incredible influence and the message, for all intents and purposes, was there. Anarchy. Anti-consumerism. Alcohol. Swear words. You know the deal. In a venture headed by Richard Branson (who signed the band to Virgin Records the same year their only record was released), Virgin Money have come out with three new Sex Pistols-themed credit cards.

It’s really not all that surprising considering this gem of a butter TV ad featuring John “Johnny Rotten” Lydon. Commenting on his decision to step into the consumer-driven advertising space, Lydon covered his arse by stating that if he could help British industry in any way, then he was going to do it. Interesting then, that the ad slogan is “It’s not about Great Britain. It’s about great butter.”

I digress. Some (including Branson himself) have commented on the fact that the advertising for the cards has already prompted calls for censored versions, while others (including Virgin Money chief executive Jayne-Anne Gadhia) have suggested that that the idea is a bit risky all together given the Sex Pistols’ reputation. I would argue its risky because who the hell is going to take anyone who whips out a Sex Pistols credit card for anything other than a wannabe fool? Please. Just. Stop.

The three options for the cards, should you really want one include a landscape and portrait version of the album artwork as well as a second design featuring the Union Jack and Sex Pistols imagery. If (had I the option) I was going to “bring a bit of rebellion” to my financial situation, as Virgin have suggested consumers do with their new credit cards, I think I’d stick to not paying my bills in time.