Sex Pistols were, despite their short existence, a very influential English punk band. While of the original set of English punks The Clash were perhaps more articulate and politically motivated, The Damned more versatile, and Buzzcocks had more astute pop sensibilities, the Pistols achieved more recognition through their iconic punk rock passion and flamboyancy, and no other Punk band of the era made such a lasting impression on British popular culture.

On February 24th 2006, Sex Pistols were officially inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - although they (as expected) refused to attend the induction.