The idyllic moment where success is not yet fame is obliterated when the band shock the nation out of its torpor. The media frenzy causes egos to explode. Steve is emotionally blackmailed by Malcom into replacing bassist Glen Matlock with Sid Vicious.

As Nancy and Sid's love ignites, Sid becomes increasingly lost to heroin and violence. A plan is hatched to get rid of Nancy, but on a riverboat stunt during the Queen's Jubilee to promote "God Save the Queen," chaos takes hold.

Malcolm decides that the Sex Pistols have become too much like a rock band, so he must blow them up. Johnny leaves the band, and a Sid becomes lead singer. Nancy is found murdered in New York City, and Sid is the main suspect.