In simple terms, the statement suggests that Malcolm McLaren did not aim for the Sex Pistols to achieve massive success or fame. Instead, his intentions were likely rooted in other goals beyond just making a band famous.
On a deeper level, this quote reveals much about McLaren's mindset and approach to creating music and cultural impact. His comment underscores that sometimes artists and their managers have objectives that go beyond simple commercial success. For McLaren, the Sex Pistols may have been an experiment in challenging societal norms or a platform for exploring new forms of artistic expression rather than just hitting mainstream popularity. By stating this, he implies that the band's unexpected widespread influence might have surprised even him, highlighting how creative endeavors can often take on lives and meanings beyond their initial intentions.
Malcolm McLaren was a British impresario and manager best known for his role in forming and promoting the punk rock band the Sex Pistols in the mid-1970s. His background as an art school student influenced his innovative approach to managing bands, focusing less on traditional music industry practices and more on cultural rebellion and anti-establishment messaging. This quote reflects McLaren's unconventional philosophy about creating culture and his perspective on the unexpected impact of his creative ventures.
