SATELLITE book review

SATELLITE
by Paul Burgess and Alan Parker
Abstract Sounds Publishing
Released 26th September 1999

A publishing industry has continued to thrive over the past 20 years, built around the Sex Pistols.
No one has ever stopped to wonder why. The photo books, the story (from varying view points), the songs, they’ve all been catered for. Many times. “Satellite” is the first book to make sense of the continued fascination with the band. Strangely, it’s not so much the band themselves this book concentrates on, and therein lies its strength and uniqueness. The whole Sex Pistols phenomenon was not just about the group. While they were the eye of the storm, it was the fall-out following their impact on UK culture, from which “Satellite” draws its inspiration. It sounds so obvious, yet no other book has approached it head-on before.

Full marks to Abstract Publishing for investing care and resources to make the most of the book’s content. The striking and instantly recognisable “God Save The Queen” cover design should grab the attention of all those with a passing knowledge of the band. Once drawn in, the quality of the paper and printing tells the reader they’re holding something special. A dense but uncluttered layout works perfectly.

The book itself is loosely split into four sections. However, much of the content is interchangeable. Posters used to illustrate “Locations” could easily turn up under “Memorabilia”. Likewise rare McLaren / Westwood T-shirts belong in “Fashion”, “Memorabilia”, and even “Photography”. No matter, the book is best viewed as a seamless whole.

The authors must have scoured every collectors’ nook and cranny in their quest to unearth the gems on display. Posters, flyers, original lyrics, badges, record sleeves (including many rare bootlegs ), are all here. Worthy of a special mention is the best “scale” photo of “God Save...” on A&M you’ll ever see. Sure, you may be familiar with some items, but the majority will be new to the most ardent of fans. Colour has been used to good effect, focusing on the items which relied on colour for impact. Punk itself made much of the DIY ethic of cheap black and white printing, while secretly striving for the Day-Glo splendour of “Never Mind The Bollocks”. “Satellite” illustrates both ends of the visual spectrum.

“Fashion” contains the most comprehensive collection of Vivienne Westwood’s punk wardrobe you’ll ever see. Clever use has been made of appropriate close-ups to highlight the attention to detail. The infamous Sid T-shirt “She’s dead, I’m not, I’m yours” is also included. Amusingly, a Seditionaries mail order leaflet from 1977, complete with prices, accompanies the section!

The “Photography” section isn’t comprehensive, but it’s not meant to be. “Satellite” is about the unfamiliar, and that’s what’s on offer. Most of the photos have never been seen before. No rehashing of familiar territory here. “Photography” nicely dovetails into the 1996 Filthy Lucre Tour. Concentrating on Finsbury Park, Paris, Glasgow, and Shepherds Bush, the pictures are accompanied by a commentary from a travelling fan. Pity the authors forgot to tell us who it was!

“Satellite” will, over time, come to be regarded as one of the essential books about the Sex Pistols. For the simple reason, it brings together neglected elements which are not only important to fans, but central to the lasting success of the group. Oh, and if you find yourself at a loose end, you can always tuck the book under your arm and go in search of those locations.

Vital.

Review by Phil Singleton July 1999

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