The Strand. Formed in 1972 by guitarist Steve Jones vocalist, Paul Cook on drums and Wally Nightingale playing guitar.
Eventually, the Strand also included Jim Mackin on organ, and Del Noones on bass.
By 1973, former New York Dollsmanager Malcolm McLaren took over their management.
After that, the band went through another name change (this time called The Swankers) and started rehearsing at the Crunchy Frog studio, outside the London Docklands.
1974, played their first gig at Tom Salter's Cafe in London. Right around this time, bass player Noones was kicked out of the band, due to his lack of professionalism and commitment to the band.
In 1975, Glen Matlock was brought on board to replace Noones. Jones and Nightingale found themselves at odds over the band's direction. Shortly after, Nightingale left the band.
August 1975, Jones noticed John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) and asked him to join the band as the vocalist.
In 1976, Cook felt that Jones needed another guitar Steve New responded to the ad, but left the band after a few weeks.
time for a name change... again. The members played their first act as The Sex Pistols at St. Martin's College on November 6th, 1975. Unfortunately, they were ejected from the stage before they even got to finish their first song.
In February 1977, Matlock left the band. Johnny Rotten's friend and fan of the Pistols Sid Vicious (John Simon Ritchie) was brought in as Matlock's replacement.