Sex Pistols : The End Is Near 25.12.77

• Previously unpublished photographs of the Sex Pistols' final UK gig
• Taken by Kevin Cummins, preeminent photographer of British bands over the last four decades

• Introduction by writer and broadcaster Paul Morley

• Short video for the title here

On Christmas Day 1977, the Sex Pistols played their final UK gig. Kevin Cummins was the only professional photographer to document the event. He stood with the band onstage, captured the raw energy of the Sex Pistols at the top of their game. Just three weeks later, after a brief US tour, the band imploded.

By the end of 1977, the Sex Pistols had been banned from virtually every town in Britain. But at Ivanho's nightclub in Huddersfield they found a receptive audience. They played two charity gigs on Christmas Day, raising money for the families of striking firemen. The afternoon shift was for the kids, with expletives removed from lyrics and Christmas presents and cake given out - and paid for by the band. In the evening, with Kevin Cummins in their midst, the Sex Pistols thundered through their setlist. Forget the lurid headlines, the righteous outrage, this was the real Sex Pistols, playing from the heart.

"You've had the Queen's speech. Now you’re going to get the Sex Pistols at Christmas. Enjoy." - John Lydon