Zero Day using a ‘Sex Pistols’ song is a fantastic swindle

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In the Netflix miniseries Zero Day, a song titled “Who Killed Bambi?” is frequently played, which seems to have a psychological impact on the former president, portrayed by Robert De Niro. The series displays that this tune is by the “Sex Pistols“, and indeed it appears to be, yet there’s a twist: it isn’t exactly the original Sex Pistols version.

It’s suggested that the makers of the show selected a Sex Pistols track because they wanted to imply that a group of anti-government rebels in the series are attempting to overthrow the U.S. government. This choice aligns with the punk genre’s rebellious nature, so using a punk band to create the theme song for the series seems fitting. However, one might wonder why specifically that particular song was chosen.

It’s possible that the song title itself holds some significance. “Who Killed Bambi” could refer to various interpretations. The show employs this melody to maintain a sense of mystery, and its title is undeniably peculiar. Perhaps they couldn’t secure the rights for an earlier Sex Pistols track, or maybe they did but opted for this tune regardless.

Zero Day should have chosen a different “Sex Pistols” song

The problem is that “Who Killed Bambi?” is only a Sex Pistols song in name, as it appeared on an album released by the band under Malcolm McLaren’s direction. This track, along with many others on the record, was not the kind of music the original lineup would have produced. In fact, there were several deceptions involved in what made it onto the album.

After their debut album, lead singer Johnny Rotten departed from the group and wouldn’t participate in the second one. Similarly, bassist Glen Matlock also left. The album, titled “The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle“, lived up to its name as it was essentially a deceitful Sex Pistols record, since only half of the original band members were involved, and even they weren’t aiming for greatness with this project.

McLaren assembled primarily covers sung by Sid Vicious, just two original tracks for the record. The remaining parts were completed with excerpts from songs previously recorded by producer Dave Goodman, who secretly taped the band practicing during the production of their first album, unbeknownst to the band members at that time. Additionally, the album incorporated Sex Pistols songs that had been recorded by a disco group earlier on.

The entire situation was an attempt by McLaren to generate revenue, which was evident in the new song “Who Killed Bambi?”. If the track appears odd to those familiar with the band’s initial album, “Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols”, it undoubtedly should be. Johnny Rotten isn’t singing this time, but rather a replacement named Edward Tudor-Pole. Unsurprisingly, it’s a poor quality song.

It’s intriguing to consider if the title “Who Killed Baby?” could have led to improved decisions in the creation of Zero Day, given its inconsistencies and superfluous storylines. An alternative like “No Feelings” might have been more suitable, for example, compared to a title such as “Who Killed Bambi?

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2025-02-24 19:00