- Field Trip to San Francisco - January 14th 1978
In January 1978 the Sex Pistols embarked on a USA tour. This tour was focused primarily in America's Deep South.
Needless to say, the Sex Pistol's tour was trouble from the get-go. It was plagued by constant in-fighting amongst the band members, management and the rowdy and hostile crowds.
Their manager, Malcolm McLaren, admitted that he purposely booked the deep South redneck bars to create hostile situations for the shows.
To make things worse, band member and bassist, Sid Viscious , was a heroin addict and constantly on the look for drugs.
Sid Vicious and Johnny Rotten
Needless to say, the Sex Pistol's tour was trouble from the get-go. It was plagued by constant in-fighting amongst the band members, management and the rowdy and hostile crowds.
Their manager, Malcolm McLaren, admitted that he purposely booked the deep South redneck bars to create hostile situations for the shows.
To make things worse, band member and bassist, Sid Viscious , was a heroin addict and constantly on the look for drugs.
Lead singer - Johnny Rotten, was sick with the flu. Rotten felt increasingly isolated and distanced from other band members, Cook and Jones, and totally disgusted by Sid Vicious' drug induced behavior.
In early January, 1978 the band arrived in LA and stayed for a week before heading to San Francisco for their (and final) show at the Winterland. They did not play any dates in Los Angeles. So L.A. would have to go to San Francisco.
While in Los Angeles, Johnny Rotten stayed at the Sunset Hyatt/Riot (with his mum). It was reported that Rotten rarely left the room.
Hyatt Continental on Sunset in West HollywoodWhile in Los Angeles, Johnny Rotten stayed at the Sunset Hyatt/Riot (with his mum). It was reported that Rotten rarely left the room.
San Francisco.
The Sex Pistols played Winterland on January 14, 1978. The show was way over-sold.
The San Francisco punk bands, the Avengers and the Nuns opened for the Sex Pistols that night.
The Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco is often referred to as the Winterland Arena or simply - Winterland. It was originally built in 1928 as an ice skating rink.
Photo of the Winterland as an ice rink
Early photo of the exterior of the Winterland
The Winterland was located at the corner of Post Street and Steiner Street. It was converted to a music venue in 1971 by legendary rock promoter Bill Graham. Graham turned the old rink into a 5,400 seat music venue.
Winterland Auditorium
The Sex Pistols played Winterland on January 14, 1978. The show was way over-sold.
The San Francisco punk bands, the Avengers and the Nuns opened for the Sex Pistols that night.
The Winterland closed down on New Years 1978/79 with a final concert by the Grateful Dead, New Riders of the Purple Sage, and the Blues Brothers. It was torn down a few years later, and was replaced by apartment condominiums. (very sad)
As the former site of the Winterland looks today
2009 photo: tlc
The former Fab Mab as it looks today
2008 photo:tlc
So... of course- a San Francisco field trip was planned for all the Hollywood punksters!On January 14th 1978, Jane and Belinda joined several other Hollywood scensters for a road trip to see the Sex Pistols play in San Francisco!
Shannon, Belinda, Margo, Jane, Joanie and Alice all stayed in one room at the Sam Wong Hotel located at 615 Broadway- (nearby the Mab).
More than 7,000 were jammed into the Winterland to see the Sex Pistols. Needless to say the crowd was violent and unruly. They threw whatever things on stage and were spitting all over. Things quickly got out of hand. By now, Sid Vicisious was deep into his heroin habit. He was hostile with the audience, and constantly provoked them. Several fights broke out. Several in the audience lashed out at Sid on stage. No fun at all.
The Sex Pistols at the Winterland in San Francisco
During the show, Rotten exclaimed This is No Fun, at all. Making clear his personal feelings about the gig, the band, and the audience.This turned out to be the Sex Pistols last show. On January 17, 1978, Rotten announced his departure from the band.
After the performance Rotten asked the audience, Ever get the feeling you've been cheated? Good Night.
He then threw down his microphone and walking off stage.
Jane and Belinda saw the Sex Pistols one night, and then saw their friends play at the Mabuhay the next night. Some said Sid was in the audience at the Mab, and went to his after-show party. They say he was pretty out of control.
the former Fab Mab 
2008 photo:tlc
On October 12, 1978, Sid Vicisous awoke from a drugged stupor to find his girl friend Nancy Spungen dead on the bathroom floor of their room (room 100) in the Hotel Chelsea in New York City. She had suffered a single stab wound to her abdomen and apparently bled to death. Sid was indicted November 22, 1978 arrested and charged with her murder although he said he had no memory of the event.
Sid Vicious died of a drug overdose February 2, 1979, at the New York Chelsea Hotel.
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