The Sex Pistols are one of the most influential, controversial and plain old noisy bands of the 20th century, with their frontman Johnny Rotten the voice of a punk generation.

We celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of God Save The Queen with a look back at the band's most memorable moments.

"What a f**king rotter!"

#1: The filth and the fury

The Sex Pistols truly came to national prominence in 1976 after being interviewed by disgraced broadcaster Bill Grundy on Thames Television's Today programme. Johnny Rotten used the word "s**t" - then a clearly drunk Grundy tried to flirt with a young Siouxsie Sioux prompting guitarist Steve Jones to call Grundy a "dirty old man". Grundy retaliated by asking the band to "say something outrageous", to which Jones replied "you dirty f**ker - what a f**king rotter". The Pistols were now famous nationwide. Grundy, however, got the sack.

#2: Sailing close to the wind

In 1977, The Pistols decided to celebrate to the Silver Jubilee by hiring a private boat and playing live while sailing down the Thames past Westminster and the Houses of Parliament. Despite having a licence for the event, police raided the boat and notorious manager Malcolm McLaren and the band were eventually taken into custody.

Pretty vacant

#3: Plane disgusting

In January 1977, The Pistols were due to play a series of gigs at the Paradiso in Amsterdam. However, trouble started at Heathrow Airport after reports that the band spat on each other and verbally abused airport staff. Rolling Stone reported that Steve Jones had been vomiting on old ladies in the pre-flight lounge. EMI consequently released the band from their contract two days later. At the time, Johnny Rotten remarked: "I don't understand it. All we're trying to do is destroy everything."