I know I'm taking this a bit further off topic, but I think Johnny Singles brings up a great point about the Sex Pistols being considered THE defining British punk band. I would take this a step further, and say they've been anointed as THE defining punk band period. And it's a bit nauseating. It's as if it's too difficult for the listening public, and music industry as a whole to actually listen to the music - but instead define the pioneering punk movement based solely on perception. You mentioned their Today Show appearance. I'd say that, along with the 60 Minutes piece done in the U.S., defined not only the band, but the entire punk rock scene to an unacquainted audience. Since then, I think there's been a bit of a backlash by the true music fans, such as yourself - annoyed that punk became this label, associated greatly with the Pistols, and upset about the lack of recognition for the other great punk acts of the era - most notably the Clash. And while I agree there are things to scoff at regarding the Sex Pistols - you mentioned both McLaren and Vicious (and the band was over once Matlock left, as far as I'm concerned). Also, it's annoying seeing the overly simplistic recognition place upon the Sex Pistols. However, the backlash against the Pistols by music fans is generally unwarranted, and is often not based on the music itself.
Btw - we all know that THE defining punk band is really the Ramones.
