The Life of Sid Vicious In May 1957, a baby was born to Anne Randall and John Ritchie, who was named John Simon Ritchie. He brought great joy to his mother, but not to his father who ended up leaving John and his mom when John was only 2 months old. Because of events like this he grew up to be who he was, Sid Vicious. Sid led an unconventional life that will forever be remembered. Sid Vicious, the bassist for the "Sex Pistols" and singer for "The Vicious White Kids", was an epitome of punk rock. John grew up in the slums of London in the 1960's in a shoddy flat house that contained only two rooms. His mother was an avid alcoholic and drug user. John and his mom were constantly m