John Simon Ritchie, an English bass guitarist of the influential punk group

Sid Vicious

John Simon Ritchie (1957–1979), usually known as Sid Vicious, an English bass guitarist of the influential punk group, the Sex Pistols. He joined the Sex Pistols (though he didn't even know how to play the instrument) in early 1977 to replace Glen Matlock, who had fallen out of favor with the rest of the group. After the band broke up (in 1978), Sid holed up in New York's Chelsea Hotel with his controversial girlfriend Nancy Spungen. Their relationship was full of ups and downs, leading to the eventual mysterious murder of Spungen. Not long after, Sid was found dead in New York City (on February 2, 1979).