"Spunk" is a bootleg demo album by the English punk rock band the Sex Pistols, originally released in the UK in September or October 1977. The album features studio demos recorded with producer Dave Goodman during 1976 and early 1977, while original bassist Glen Matlock was still with the band. Most tracks were later re-recorded for their official album Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols.
The release of Spunk coincided with the preparation for Never Mind the Bollocks, leading to speculation that the band's manager, Malcolm McLaren, might have been involved in its production—potentially violating the band's contract with Virgin Records. This suspicion was fueled by the high-quality production of the bootleg and McLaren's retention of the demo rights. Both Johnny Rotten and Sid Vicious publicly criticized the bootleg, asserting that it consisted of substandard material that was never meant for release.
### Reception and Legacy
Despite the controversies, many fans and critics view Spunk as a superior representation of the band's early sound, capturing their raw live energy with Matlock’s bass lines. It has since been considered an alternative debut album for the Sex Pistols, showcasing their formative stage before their official release.
Spunk has been bootlegged multiple times, leading to various reissues, including an official release by Virgin Records as part of a limited edition double-CD alongside Never Mind the Bollocks in 1996. In 2006, Sanctuary Records released it in its original vinyl format, and it was included in the 2021 box set 76-77, which featured all of the band's pre-Never Mind the Bollocks demos and alternate versions.
Overall, Spunk remains a significant artifact in punk rock history, reflecting the chaotic spirit and raw sound that defined the Sex Pistols.
