The iconic punk band's name and artwork adorns the designs of three new Virgin Money credit cards.
Virgin Money has unveiled a new range of credit cards featuring punk-themed designs based around the artwork of Sex Pistols albums and singles. That noise you just felt was punk’s final death rattle, by the way.
The bank has rolled out three designs for the new cards, two of which are variations on the artwork for the Pistols’ seminal 1977 album Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols (the only proper studio LP they ever recorded), and a third which uses the cover of 1976 single ‘Anarchy In The UK’.
What we imagined John Lydon's face looked like when he heard this news
A press release by Virgin Money said that it was “time for consumers to put a little bit of rebellion in their pocket”. Michele Greene, the bank’s director of cards, added: “In launching these cards, we wanted to celebrate Virgin’s heritage and difference. The Sex Pistols challenged convention and the established ways of thinking – just as we are doing today in our quest to shake up UK banking.” Whatever you say, mate.
More: John Lydon criticises Simon Cowell and Band Aid
Sex Pistols signed to Richard Branson’s then fledgling Virgin record label back in May 1977. In 1995, Branson set up the bank Virgin Money, one of many successful enterprises. The company head also stepped in to add his two pennies’ worth to the new deal. “Even after nearly 40 years, the Sex Pistols’ power to provoke is undimmed,” he said.
So, for people with good credit histories, you can get your hands on a tiny slice of laminated punk rebellion that promises 18.9% APR.
Never mind the APR! Virgin Money launches Sex Pistols inspired credit cards nearly 40 years after band signed for r… pic.twitter.com/bOFTg0FjjX
— DailyNew5 (@DailyNew5) June 9, 2015
Who knows what John Lydon makes of all this, but we’re bound to get some reaction out of him soon. Then again, some of you will remember him fronting those butter adverts many years ago, so he may not be the best placed person to defend it. Plus, you may recall that a fragrance tied in with the Pistols' branding was launched in 2010. It's all been done.
Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?