Tributes flood in for Sex Pistols artist Jamie Reid who has died aged 76
He was the man responsible for establishing the iconography of punk
Jamie Reid, the artist behind the Sex Pistols’ artwork and responsible for the décollage style iconography of punk, has died at the age of 76.
Louder Than War yesterday (9 August) broke the news about Reid, with no cause of death nor any further details shared.
Reid created famous artwork for Sex Pistols hits including ‘God Save the Queen’ and the band’s 1977 debut album Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols.
Tributes have flooded in for the late artist including from Sex Pistols’ original bassist Glen Matlock, who wrote: “So sad to hear the news of Jamie Read’s passing away. He was an immense talent, a great guy and will be missed. A privilege to have known him.”
Massive Attack said on Twitter: “Iconic Iconoclast. RIP Jamie Reid 🧷”, while Sleaford Mods wrote: “Good night Jamie Reid. Nobody ever made Boredom look so good. RIP chap. ❤️❤️❤️❤️.”
Mat Osman, Suede’s bassist, said: “RIP Jamie Reid. Single-handedly created the graphic style of a generation. We spoke a little following England on Fire and he was still a a questing, questioning gentleman Druid with a wholly unique worldview. A real loss.”
BBC broadcaster and naturalist Chris Packham added: “We’ve lost the wonderful #JamieReid whose graphics and slogans lit up the bedrooms and ballrooms of the punk rock generation and they still look so good . Bright , bold , clever and edgy – perfect.”
Danny Kelly, former editor of NME and Q, said: “RIP the great Jamie Reid, artist and protester, an original disrupter. He did so much more, of course, but his work with the Sex Pistols runs deep and daily through the very veins of popular culture.”
Writer, broadcaster and DJ Dave Haslam, originally known for his time DJing at Manchester’s Haçienda nightclub, shared one of Reid’s many artistic works in tribute to the late creative.
Rough Trade Records posted via its official Twitter: “When anarchy meets art. Rest well Jamie Reid, a definitive icon of British punk. Thank you for inspiring a movement x”
Welsh soloist Gwenno said: “Cwsg mewn hedd Jamie Reid ❤️ Mae Heddwch yn Galed! To the purest soul, thank you for your kindness, always. I first met Jamie at @sainrecordiau when @rhysmwyn had put us in touch to work on the artwork for my first EP over 20 years ago. He was ever-generous, always enthusiastic.”
Music journalist and Sex Pistols aficionado Jon Savage wrote: “RIP Jamie Reid, best known as the designer for the classic Sex Pistols era 1976-79. His ability to render complex ideas in eye catching visuals was their perfect accompaniment. He and I did a book together in 1987: it’s a good one.”
See more tributes below.
Meanwhile, earlier this year Matlock shared the video for ‘Consequences Coming’, the title track of his latest solo album, exclusively on Rolling Stone UK.