Holidays in the Sun (VS191) – Political Satire in Punk Vinyl

UK single cover of “Holidays in the Sun” by Sex Pistols with comic-style artwork and political satire 7inch
“Holidays in the Sun” UK single sleeve — sharp satire with punk attitude (VS191)

Back again — and this time we’re diving into the final single released while Johnny Rotten was still in the band:

🎶 Holidays in the Sun (Virgin VS191)

We’ll compare the original 1977 UK pressing with the 30th Anniversary reissue from 2007.


📀 Sleeve Comparison

Sleeve photo (front) of Holidays in the Sun by Sex Pistols (VS191)

👉 Here’s the UK original sleeve – front side

Sleeve photo (back) of Holidays in the Sun by Sex Pistols (VS191)

👉 And here’s the back side of the UK original sleeve

Sleeve photo (front) of the reissue of Holidays in the Sun by Sex Pistols (VS191)

👉 Now the reissue sleeve – front

Sleeve photo (back) of the reissue of Holidays in the Sun by Sex Pistols (VS191)

👉 And the reissue sleeve – back


🧷 Basic Info

  • Title: Holidays in the Sun
  • Artist: Sex Pistols
  • Format: 7-inch Single (45RPM)

UK Original

  • Release Date: October 15, 1977
  • Label / Catalog #: Virgin VS191
  • Sleeve: Picture sleeve

Reissue

  • Release Date: October 22, 2007
  • Label / Catalog #: Virgin VS191 / EMI 5099950741175
  • Sleeve: Picture sleeve

🧷 Tracklist

Side A: Holidays in the Sun

Side B: Satellite

💡 “Holidays in the Sun” kicks off Never Mind the Bollocks — a strong opener with a sound-effect intro and full punk energy.
Notably, Sid Vicious is credited on this one.

Satellite is a longtime fan favorite. Personally, I prefer the demo version 😌



🧷 Pressing Details

✔️ Matrix Numbers (Runouts)

  • Original: VS-191-A-2 / VS-191-B-1
  • Reissue: VS-191-A-1 / VS-191-B-1

→ Reissue features machine-stamped matrix codes, while the original is hand-etched.


🧷 Sleeve Differences

  • Original: Thin, matte paper sleeve
  • Reissue: Heavier cardstock with light gloss

Other differences:

  • Reissue has a barcode and printed text blurb on the back
  • Original includes “dp” (Delga Press) logo — gone on reissue
  • Reissue’s flap is hidden inside, not visible from the back
  • Color tone: Reissue’s white areas are brighter, but overall palette is similar
Comparison of sleeve photos (back) — original vs. reissue of Holidays in the Sun by Sex Pistols (VS191)


🧷 Label Comparison

  • Both use the blue-to-white gradient design
  • Original’s gradient is deeper and more vibrant
  • Reissue’s label is lighter, with slight Virgin logo color difference

Also, my reissue copy has a double label misprint 😅
→ Two labels pressed onto one side. No audio issues, but it looks odd.


Label photo (front) of Holidays in the Sun by Sex Pistols (VS191)
Label photo of the reissue of Holidays in the Sun by Sex Pistols (VS191)
Label photo of the reissue of Holidays in the Sun by Sex Pistols (VS191)

🧷 Weight Comparison

  • Original pressing: 35g
  • Reissue: 75g (!!)

💡 This qualifies as heavyweight vinyl, which helps resist warping and improves groove tracking.

🧷 Sound Quality?

I’m using a basic portable player, so honestly, I couldn’t detect much difference.
One day, I’d love to test it on a high-end setup.


🔜 Coming Next:

We’re finally digging into the only full Pistols studio album:
Never Mind the Bollocks — featuring the Japan-only “勝手にしやがれ” Columbia edition!

Stay tuned ✨

byebye 👋

7inch
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