There’s something rotten going on with this Sex Pistols reunion — and for once, it’s not Johnny. The punk progenitors have two new performances on the books without lead singer Johnny Rotten , who’s practically synonymous with the band. Now that’s anarchy in the U.
K.! In his place is English punk singer Frank Carter on a break from his band the Rattlesnakes. The rest of the lineup, at least, is original: drummer Paul Cook, guitarist Steve Jones, and bassist Glen Matlock.
The shows are fundraisers for London’s historic 400-cap venue Bush Hall, which was Cook’s childhood go-to, and will take place August 13 and 14. The band — billed as Frank Carter and Sex Pistols — plans to run through the Pistols’ sole album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols . A post shared by Frank Carter (@frankcarter23) These shows will be the first Sex Pistols performances since a reunion from 2007–08.
That one did involve Rotten, born John Lydon, though he may not be on such good terms with his bandmates today after losing a 2021 lawsuit to Cook and Jones over using the Pistols’ music in the FX series Pistol . (He said the suit was “a remarkably unfair thing to do” last year.) Carter said in a press release that taking on the songs, which were first recorded years before he was even born, “has been a joy from start to finish.
” He continued, “When the Sex Pistols call, you answer.” Well, unless you’re Johnny Rotten..