Sex Pistols artist and punk legend Jamie Reid dies aged 76

9 August, 2023

Jamie Reid

Jamie Reid, the man behind Sex Pistols‘ iconic artwork and a legend of the punk scene, has died aged 76.

The news of his death was broken by Louder Than War, with no cause of death or further details yet revealed.

Reid’s career was defined by the British punk explosion of the late 1970s, where he created memorable artwork for Sex Pistols hits including ‘God Save The Queen’ and more.

His décollage-style creations became synonymous with the movement, and are inextricably linked with the Sex Pistols’ style and sound.

Paying tribute to Reid online, author Jon Savage, who worked alongside Reid on a 1987 book, said: “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.”

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 pic.twitter.com/lyRSYy9L8N

— Jon Savage (@JonSavage1966) August 9, 2023

See a host of other tributes to Reid, and examples of his most memorable artwork, below.

RIP Jamie Reid. You were a genius. pic.twitter.com/zlZ9R8536o

— Mic Wright (@brokenbottleboy) August 9, 2023

RIP Jamie Reid. ‘Please wash your hands before leaving the twentieth century.’ pic.twitter.com/b2t8wi8Gh7

— Des (@desdelboy) August 9, 2023

Jamie Reid is up there with any of the greats of art .. indisputable pic.twitter.com/1HwZZhTJAi

— ROPoem (@R0Poem) August 9, 2023

Jamie Reid RIP.

That time, in 2001, when he brought his art to Glasgow, and introduced us to a young shaver called Banksy. pic.twitter.com/f6cYvBqKNZ

— Lost Glasgow (@LostGlasgow) August 9, 2023

Front Row: Credit – Jamie Reid. pic.twitter.com/1DQYXjY4SF

— Salford Electronics (@salfordelectron) August 9, 2023

RIP Jamie Reid pic.twitter.com/kpLMBHVDMV

— Rock'n'Rollbookclub (@e17RnR_books) August 9, 2023

Rest in power, Jamie Reid. pic.twitter.com/gubn4kTnLr

— Paul Sng (@paulsng) August 9, 2023

RIP Jamie Reid

A huge inspiration to me and so many others. Gutted doesn’t even cover it

pic.twitter.com/TDCMFuhdrM

— strayltd Pioneer Pepe on Manifodl (@strayltd) August 9, 2023

A massive loss, one of the greats defined a whole graphic genre, whatever the ‘failure’ of the punk rock revolution,
his graphic styles however used and by whom are done so to denote rebellion

Rest in Punk#JamieReid https://t.co/GweVNIQYag

— Noel Douglas (@signsofrevolt) August 9, 2023