Music:
* The Stooges: Vicious loved the raw energy and aggression of the Stooges, particularly their frontman Iggy Pop. He even covered their song "No Fun" with the Sex Pistols.
* The New York Dolls: The Dolls' flamboyant and rebellious image was a big influence on Vicious's own style.
* The Velvet Underground: The Velvet Underground's dark and experimental approach to music resonated with Vicious's own artistic inclinations.
* MC5: Another band known for their loud, raw, and politically charged music, MC5 had a significant impact on Vicious.
* The Ramones: The Ramones' stripped-down, punk rock sound was a major inspiration for the Sex Pistols.
Cultural Figures:
* James Dean: Vicious was drawn to Dean's rebellious and brooding persona, often mimicking his style in photoshoots.
* Jean Genet: Vicious admired Genet's literary works, which explored themes of societal rebellion and outsider status.
Other Musicians:
* Johnny Rotten: Vicious's bandmate and frontman for the Sex Pistols, Rotten's own musical style and provocative persona played a large role in shaping Vicious's approach.
* Paul Cook: The Sex Pistols' drummer, Cook, also inspired Vicious with his raw and powerful drumming.
It's important to note that Vicious was a complex figure, often struggling with drug addiction and personal demons. While he was influenced by these figures, he also developed his own distinct style and personality that made him a unique and controversial figure in the history of punk rock.