Jamie Reid the artist who designed covers for Sex Pistols’ albums dies
Reid, 76, helped curate the aesthetic of the punk rock era with his ransom note style.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jamie Reid, the artist behind the Sex Pistols’ signature record covers, has died aged 76.
Among his most notable work is the artwork for the British punk band’s classic 1977 song God Save The Queen which featured a young Elizabeth II with the record title plastered across her eyes and mouth.
The designer helped curate the aesthetic of the punk rock era with his approach of using letters cut from newspaper headlines in the style of a ransom note.
His gallerist, John Marchant, said: “We sadly announce the passing of Jamie MacGregor Reid January 16 1947 – August 8 2023; artist, iconoclast, anarchist, punk, hippie, rebel and romantic.
“Jamie leaves behind a beloved daughter, Rowan; a granddaughter, Rose; and an enormous legacy. Universal Majesty, Verity, Love, Infinite.”
Born in Croydon, London, in 1947, he went on to study at Croydon Art College where he was involved in a student protest in 1968 alongside the band’s soon-to-be manager, Malcolm McLaren.
After leaving the college, he co-founded the political magazine Suburban Press where he developed his style of cut-up graphics and slogans.
Jamie leaves behind a beloved daughter Rowan a granddaughter Rose, and an enormous legacy
In late 1975, McLaren asked him to work with the Sex Pistols and he went on to design a great deal of their artwork.
His most know pieces include the cover of their 1977 album Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, which featured a yellow background with the first half of the album in block capital lettering and the band name in the ransom note style.
On Twitter, former Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock wrote: “So sad to hear the news of Jamie Read’s passing away.
“He was an immense talent, a great guy and will be missed. A privilege to have known him.”
Reid also designed the artwork for some of the group’s most popular singles including Anarchy In The UK, Pretty Vacant and Holidays In The Sun.
The artist also created album covers for bands such as the Afro Celt Sound System and engaged visually with socio-political groups including Occupy, Extinction Rebellion and the Free Pussy Riot movement.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.