The Sex Pistols lasted only two-and-one-half years as a band but their influence lasted for decades. Their anti-establishment shtick became a part of the punk rock code. Lead singer Johnny Rotten (John Lydon) became known for his attitude more than his vocal chops. Inspired by the US Punk scene, the band hired Lydon mainly because he showed up at their first meeting with green hair, wearing a Pink Floyd rock and roll t-shirt emblazoned with the words “I Hate, “held together with safety pins. Their single “God Save the Queen,” a screed against the British royal family. Despite their reputation as bad boys, their energy gained them a group of hardcore fans before they imploded not long after the band member Sid Vicious died of a heroin overdose.