The unannounced show attracted a mix of devoted fans and well-known faces, including Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher, Gary Kemp, and Bobby Gillespie. Leading the charge was Frank Carter, former frontman of Gallows and Rattlesnakes, who stepped in for John Lydon. Lydon’s absence stems from an ongoing feud with the band over the use of their music in the Disney+ series Pistol, based on guitarist Steve Jones’ autobiography. Despite Lydon’s legal challenge, Jones, drummer Paul Cook, and bassist Glen Matlock reunited for a setlist packed with punk anthems.

Launching into ‘Pretty Vacant’, ‘God Save the Queen’, ‘Holidays in the Sun’, and ‘Anarchy in the UK’, the band’s performance was electric. Carter’s fierce stage presence channeled the raw energy the Sex Pistols are known for, while the remaining members proved their chemistry was as sharp as ever. Following last year’s successful reunion shows at Bush Hall, the positive reception from both fans and critics has now paved the way for a full-scale world tour.

@glennmatchett ♬ original sound – Glenn Matchett

Friday’s show may have embraced nostalgia, but Sunday’s Albert Hall performance brought a sense of rebellion to an unexpected setting. The grandeur of the 150-year-old venue, originally opened by Queen Victoria, provided a surreal backdrop for the anarchic spirit of punk. Once symbols of defiance, the Sex Pistols now stood on one of Britain’s most prestigious stages, making the moment feel both ironic and iconic.

The audience included punk pioneers like The Clash’s Paul Simonon, alongside modern artists such as Chrissie Hynde and Yungblud. Witnessing the Pistols blast through their set beneath the venue’s ornate domes was a testament to punk’s lasting influence.

While Lydon dismissed the new line-up as the “karaoke Sex Pistols,” the band’s undeniable energy and tight sound told a different story. Jones’ guitar snarled through the speakers, Cook’s relentless drumming drove each track, and Matlock’s signature basslines pulsed with vigor. Carter’s gritty vocals may have surprised some, but his presence won over both fans and skeptics.

But the Sex Pistols’ return is about more than nostalgia. It’s a deliberate reminder of their power as a live band. For Jones, Cook, and Matlock, these shows are an opportunity to challenge the caricature that the band became under the influence of former manager Malcolm McLaren. Instead, they are proving that the Pistols were never just a product of punk mythology — they were a force of musical rebellion.

Closing with the furious chords of ‘Anarchy in the UK’, the Sex Pistols left no doubt that their legacy endures. Nearly 50 years on, their sound remains as fierce and relevant as ever.

This show marks a rare opportunity for fans to experience the raw energy of the Sex Pistols in a small, historic setting. The 100 Club has been a staple of the UK punk scene since the 1970s, hosting early performances from bands like The Clash, The Damned, and the Pistols themselves. With a capacity of just a few hundred people, this performance is bound to be an unforgettable and high-demand event.

While the Sex Pistols originally disbanded in 1978 after a turbulent rise to fame, various reunions over the years have kept their legacy alive. This latest iteration sees original members Steve Jones (guitar), Paul Cook (drums), and Glen Matlock (bass) teaming up with Frank Carter as their new frontman.

Carter, known for his work in Gallows and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, brings an electrifying presence and a deep-rooted punk ethos to the group. He first joined the Sex Pistols lineup in early 2024, stepping into the shoes of Johnny Rotten (John Lydon) for a series of fundraising gigs at Bush Hall, where the band performed their legendary album ‘Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols‘ in full. Those shows received widespread praise, leading to additional UK tour dates and a headline slot at the AMA Music Festival later this year.

Given the small venue and the significance of this gig, tickets are expected to sell out almost instantly. Fans eager to attend should keep a close watch on official ticketing platforms, the band’s social media pages, and Frank Carter’s channels for announcements on ticket availability. Details on pricing and how to secure a spot are expected to be revealed soon.

For those who miss out on this one-night-only event, the band’s Royal Albert Hall performance for the Teenage Cancer Trust will provide another opportunity to see them in action.

The Teenage Cancer Trust concerts have been an annual tradition at the Royal Albert Hall since 2000, bringing some of the biggest names in rock, indie, and alternative music together to raise funds for young people battling cancer. Over the years, acts like The Who, Paul McCartney, Oasis, The Cure, Muse, and Arctic Monkeys have graced the Royal Albert Hall stage as part of the fundraiser. Now, the Sex Pistols—with Carter at the helm—are joining that prestigious lineup.

Fans attending the Royal Albert Hall show can expect a high-energy setlist, featuring Sex Pistols classics like ‘Anarchy in the UK’, ‘God Save the Queen’, and ‘Pretty Vacant’. Given Carter’s reputation for unpredictable and explosive live performances, this concert is likely to be one of the most talked-about punk gigs of the year.

“When I first heard that the Sex Pistols were touring this year without me it pissed me off. It annoyed me,” Lydon said. “I just thought, ‘They’re absolutely going to kill all that was good with the Pistols by eliminating the point and the purpose of it all.’”

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Lydon went on to call the tour a “karaoke” act, suggesting the lineup were trivialising the Pistols’ history. “They’re trying to trivialise the whole show to get away with karaoke, but in the long term, I think you’ll see who has the value and who doesn’t,” he said. He also added, “I’ve never sold my soul to make a dollar. It’s the Catholic in me – that guilt I don’t want to trip.”

Lydon hasn’t performed with his former band since 2008, but tensions between the two ignited again in 2022 over the release of Danny Boyle’s miniseries, ‘Pistol’, based on a memoir from guitarist Steve Jones. Lydon had no involvement or input on the series, and criticised the historical accuracy of events within. Jones responded to the singer, telling him to “grow up and move on,” and explaining that it was based on his experiences, not Lydon’s.

The current lineup of the band first played together at a gig at London’s Bush Hall, where they were raising funds for the iconic venue. Lydon questioned their motives, suggesting that it wasn’t an entirely altruistic endeavour. A source quoted by The Sun suggested that the shows were also meant to send a message to Lydon. “These Pistols gigs aren’t just for charity, they’re to show Rotten how rotten they think he’s been to the rest of the band over the years,” the source said. “Rotten thinks he IS the Pistols, but these gigs will show they don’t need him anymore.” Lydon reportedly dismissed the reunion as “b****cks.”

Reactions to the PiL frontman’s latest comments have been mixed, with one X user calling him a hypocrite, claiming that Lydon initiated previous reunion tours. Underneath the same post, another X user compared the shows to Queen touring without Freddie Mercury.

Poor Johnny Forgotten.
Always moaning and moaning. Phone your orange friend TRUMP and ask if you can cry on his shoulder.

YOU started the KARAOKE thing with those SEX PISTOLS reunion tours back then. Hey, @lydonofficial once a HYPOCRITE, always a HYPOCRITE. pic.twitter.com/HyITkEz4jX

— TURN UP THE VOLUME (BLOG) (@TurnUpBlog) February 19, 2025

Controversy is nothing new to the band, and the current feud hasn’t affected sales for their upcoming show at the Royal Albert Hall. Raising funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust, the show is effectively sold out, with only resale tickets available on Ticketmaster. Beyond that performance, the Pistols will also play at Download Festival, Glasgow Summer Sessions, and various international dates, taking them across Europe, with stops in Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil too.

Whether the band still has that spark that ignited the UK punk explosion in the 70s or not, their upcoming shows will be a chance to see one of the most influential bands of the last 50 years. Meanwhile, Lydon will be taking PiL around the festival circuit this summer too.

#TeenageCancerGigs at the Royal Albert Hall is back for 2025, with another incredible line-up

Tickets on sale Friday 31st Jan at 9amhttps://t.co/e6jo2B8WzP pic.twitter.com/0d1VWsDmc7

— Teenage Cancer Trust (@TeenageCancer) January 27, 2025

The Who will perform two shows during the week, bringing their timeless hits to the historic venue. They rose to fame in the 1960s and are credited with helping shape the modern rock genre. They are best known for their album ‘Who’s Next‘ (1971), which includes classic tracks like ‘Baba O’Riley’ and ‘Behind Blue Eyes’. The band’s lead singer, Roger Daltrey, has also announced a tour for 2025, starting on April 20 in Brighton. A special collaboration between Frank Carter, Paul Cook, Steve Jones, and Glen Matlock brings together punk history with an explosive performance. This night promises to pay homage to the punk legends of the Sex Pistols, who were pivotal in shaping the British punk movement. Their participation adds a rebellious spirit to the 2025 lineup. This one-off performance is expected to be a highlight of the week.

 

 

 

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The chart-topping singer-songwriter James Arthur will headline on Wednesday, March 26, offering an evening of his soulful melodies. The singer is most known for winning the ninth season of The X Factor UK in 2012, which catapulted him to fame. His debut single, ‘Impossible’, became a massive hit, topping the UK Singles Chart and selling over a million copies in the UK alone.The Corrs are known for their distinctive blend of pop, rock, and traditional Irish music. The band consists of four siblings, who are celebrated for seamlessly incorporating Celtic influences into mainstream pop music, creating a unique sound that resonates globally. This fusion helped them stand out in the 1990s and 2000s, bringing Irish music to an international audience. The Corrs’ biggest hit on the UK Singles Chart was ‘Breathless’, released in 2000. The song reached No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart and became one of their most iconic tracks.The Teenage Cancer Trust concerts have been a cornerstone in raising funds and awareness for young cancer patients, with all proceeds supporting the charity’s vital work. This year’s lineup continues the tradition of bringing together top-tier talent to make a meaningful impact. Tickets for these events will be available from midday on January 31, 2025 and can be purchased through the Royal Albert Hall’s official website.

The tour will span across the UK and Ireland, visiting cities and venues often overlooked by other acts to bring PiL’s unique sound to fans old and new. Kicking off in June, the tour is planned to last until early August, although the new dates could take them later into the year.

Frontman, and former Sex Pistol, John Lydon previously hinted that PiL’s 2023 tour might be their last, following a period of personal loss. In April 2023, Lydon’s wife, Nora Forster, passed away after a five-year battle with Alzheimer’s. Later that year, his manager and childhood friend, John “Rambo” Stevens, died suddenly after the last PiL tour in December.

In spring 2024, Lydon embarked upon a spoken word tour across the UK, where he shared stories and reflections with fans. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many urging him to return with PiL. He shared, “People were so overwhelmingly positive, and they asked me to tour PiL again… I couldn’t just stay on my sofa and not tour – tempting though that obviously is.”

Founded in 1978, PiL emerged as a major force in post-punk, pushing boundaries with their experimental mix of punk, dub, and rock. Formed after Lydon left The Sex Pistols, it was an outlet for him to explore music that his previous band wouldn’t have allowed him to. Their work has influenced alternative music through artists such as U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Massive Attack.

While the full setlist hasn’t been disclosed, fans can expect a mix of PiL classics. Songs such as ‘This Is Not a Love Song’, ‘Public Image’, ‘Rise’, and ‘Death Disco’ were all staples of PiL shows of the past, and it’s difficult to imagine a show without them.

The “This Is Not The Last Tour” will play at smaller venues, with some notable omissions. There are no dates in Manchester or Liverpool, Scotland, or Leeds, which has left some fans voicing their frustrations. On the other hand, the punk-legend will be delivering his set to crowds who are often forgotten about by major acts.

Hoping for some Scottish dates

— ScottLardo1970 (@scottlardo1970) November 12, 2024

With a strong lineup of dates, “This Is Not The Last Tour” is set to bring PiL’s genre-blending sound and defiant spirit back to the stage, allowing fans an intimate experience with one of alternative music’s most influential artists. Tickets will go on general sale at 10am on Friday, November 15, but if you just can’t wait, here’s a performance from 1983 at the legendary Rockpalast!

The renowned Shepherd’s Bush Venue had been under threat for several months, having first appealed on its Instagram page on 1 March that funds were running short. The owners then started a Crowdfunder campaign, which eventually raised over £45,000 from around 900 supporters.

But eventual relief came when ticket sales for two planned performances by Sex Pistols members Glenn Matlock, Paul Cook, and Steve Jones, featuring vocalist Frank Carter, provided a funding runway for venue management to begin planning shows for the next few months. Initial shows were slated for August 13 and August 14, but the decision came this week to add a third date on August 15. Remaining tickets to the third show can be found here.

Carter is best known for fronting a slew of punk and hardcore outfits including Gallows, Pure Love, and Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes. He will join three of the founding members of the legendary London punk band in place of singer John Lydon, with whom the band has been feuding for many years. Despite co-writing most of the songs on the band’s seminal debut Never Mind the Bollocks, Matlock left the band early in the recording process and was replaced by Sid Vicious.

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The Sex Pistols have played several reunion shows since their original disbandment in 1978, including a successful live album recorded at the Brixton Academy in 2007.

“I’ve been [to Bush Hall] many times over the years, being a local lad. I’ve seen unsigned acts, I’ve seen international acts, and it would be a shame if anything happened to it,” Sex Pistols guitarist Paul Cook said on the Bush Hall Crowdfunder page, which also saw pledges of support from producer Youth Glover and rock band Wolf Alice.

“Running a grassroots venue in the UK right now is harder than ever, GMVs are currently closing at a rate of two per week (MVT 2023 annual report), 0.5% profits across the sector and 38% of remaining venues reporting a loss of earnings. Despite our tireless efforts Bush Hall is now in danger of being next,” Bush Hall management said in March when announcing the venue’s predicament.

“We have run a completely independent venue, without funded support (except during the pandemic) or external investment, for almost 23 years. It is with heavy hearts, but with a mind to a possible future, we are reaching out to those who love music and enjoy going to intimate gigs for help to keep the live music going,” they continued.

With the news of the sell-out of the two Sex Pistol shows, however, venue management took once again to its Crowdfunder page to express gratitude to supporters.

“The support we have had has been phenomenal and we are hugely appreciative to have reached our target ahead of time! Any contributions above our original target will go towards further sustaining Bush Hall’s musical future, by allowing us to focus on bettering our in house facilities and supporting emerging artists through reigniting our Bush Hall Presents’ programming,” Bush Hall management said on its Crowdfunder page after the new broke.

Members of the pioneering British punk rock band Sex Pistols, Paul Cook, Glen Matlock, and Steve Jones will perform alongside tackling grunge singer Frank Carter who has been a part of groups such as Gallows, Pure Love and Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes. In an Instagram post dated the 3rd of June, Carter thanked the band for their ‘invitation’ to play the show with them. According to Blabber Mouth, Carter noted that the project “has been a joy from start to finish. When the Sex Pistols call, you answer. I’m very excited to be a part of it.”

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For Sex Pistol Drummer Cook, this is a cause extremely close to his heart as Bush hall is his local venue and he grew up around the area. Situated in West London, Bush Hall has hosted acts the likes of Amy Winehouse, The Killers, Adele, Alicia Keys, Florence & The Machine, Ed Sheeran, Bombay Bicycle Club and James Acaster. I also welcomed Kings Of Leon for their first UK show in 2006 and has been open since 1904. Bush Hall was originally part of a trio of dance halls but it has had many lives including acting as a soup kitchen throughout WW2, a rehearsal space for some of the greats like Cliff Richard and The Who as well as a snooker and social club in the 80s and 90s. It was finally returned to its ‘former music glory’ in 2001. The venue is fully independent and offers an intimate environment for shows as its capacity is 430+ guests standing and 285+ guests seated. You can read more about Bush Hall on their website via the link here.

The venue team at Bush Hall are working with artists, agents and promoters to raise funds not just for Bush Hall itself but for the entire grassroots industry in its broader scheme as well as with the Music Venue Trust to foster a more sustainable way for venues to continue to survive into the future. According to an article from NME the venue were ‘four months away from “making a hideous decision” about whether to cease hosting live music events’ in March of this year and then needed to raise £42,000 via crowdfunding to sustain itself. The grassroots venues industry is experiencing a catastrophic downsizing with the ‘total the number of GMVs declining from 960 to 835 in 2023′ as reported in the 2024 Grassroots music venues House of Commons report which you can read here. Fund raising gigs like this one are vital for the continual existence of venues like Bush Hall that keep the music industry fresh and packed with new talent.

Tickets for the show go on sale tomorrow, Wednesday the 5th of June at 9am BSt and you can grab them from the Live Nation website here.

The North Hertfordshire venue hosted iconic British artists during its run, including Glen Matlock of Sex Pistols and Neville Staple of The Specials. Club 85’s landlord and owner, Jas Lidder, told Hitchin Nub News, “It wasn’t an easy decision.”

The venue has served the Hitchin community for 60 years, with Lidder going on to further explain the difficult decision in his statement for Hitchin Nub News. Lidder wrote, “The most important thing in life is your health and mental wellness. Therefore, it’s time for both [Jas & Ranjit Lidder] to enjoy their life after working 70+ hours per week for multiple years.”

Lidder continued, “We can assure you that every option was explored and evaluated, but we’ve decided the best choice was to develop the site. The decision wasn’t easy for both after all the hard work that the family has put into Club 85 since 1985 and the sacrifices to make it the best community hub in the area.”

This news comes shortly after NME reported that the UK is set to lose 10% of its grassroots music venues in 2023. 67 venues have already closed this year, with a further 90 currently working with MVT’s Emergency Response. It is predicted that half of these will be closed, marking a 10% loss in venues this year alone.

Club 85’s Lidder pointed towards a potential new grassroots venue project in the works for his colleague Bob Mardon however, writing, “We’d like to additionally pass our thanks on to [manager] Bob Mardon for the last 20 years, his hard work and dedication have led to Club 85 being the best live music venue in the area. We will both support Bob in developing a new grassroots venue.”

Lidder also thanked Club 85’s patrons, saying, “Lastly, we’d like to thank all the great people who have come through the doors over the last 38 years and becoming a part of the Club 85 family.”

The news has been met with negative feedback, with one Twitter user writing, “It’s ridiculous to tear it down to make a handful of flats.”

BOO! Club 85 offers great opportunities for live music and comedy. It’s ridiculous to tear it down to make a handful of flats #Hitchin #Club85 https://t.co/x43d30j270

— Phoenix Phil Morley (@PhoenixPhilM) September 19, 2023

Another called the news “pretty devastating.”  

The last time I played Club 85, I was much smaller.

Hitchin’s lucky to have a full-time music venue with so much love & history behind it. Club 85’s a cultural asset that gives so much to the community. So the news of the proposal to replace it with flats is pretty devastating. pic.twitter.com/tj3o30xyQj

— David Ephgrave (@David_Ephgrave) September 20, 2023

Hitchin councillor, Ian Albert, summed up the news by saying, “This is desperately sad news for the residents of Hitchin and music lovers far and wide.“

John Lydon has distanced himself from the Sex Pistols following reports of a deal, citing accusations that they were trying to profit off the death of Queen Elizabeth II. This statement was issued by Public Image Ltd on their Twitter feed on John Lyndons behalf.

John wrote the lyrics to this historical song, and while he has never supported the monarchy, he feels that the family deserves some respect in this difficult time, as would be expected for any other person or family when someone close to them has died.

— Public Image Ltd (@pilofficial) September 15, 2022

The agreement with BMG includes key singles from the album Never mind The Bollocks including “Anarchy In The UK”, “God Save The Queen” and “Pretty Vacant”. Their 1977 single “God Save the Queen” was banned by the BBC in the UK and appeared at No. 2 on the Official Singles chart, leading to accusations that the song was purposely kept off the top spot. For the only time in chart history, the track was listed as a blank, to avoid offence to the establishment. Along with retailers such as Woolworths and WHSmith refusing to stock the single.

The company’s VP in music publishing, Michael Howe, added, “Steve, Paul, and Sid’s works with Sex Pistols are among the most important cultural and creative music of the last half-century. “Their impact on society and the performing arts is orders of magnitude greater than the group’s incredibly brief lifespan and recorded output would suggest. The band’s influence resonates as deeply today as it did in 1977.” During this interview Steve Jones added, “Where’s my money?!”

The Sex Pistols may have only had two years of active performance, yet the impact they had on music and culture is tremendous and everlasting. This point is exceptionally highlighted by their seminal 1977 debut record album Never Mind the Bollocks, which is indisputably considered one of the most exhilarating and influential albums in punk rock music history.

In a recent statement BMG said “Sex Pistols are among the most important and recognisable rock bands in history, and their legacy is felt across fashion, art and society.”

To purchase the album Never Mind the Bollocks click here.

What an honour to be inducted into the Camden Walk of Fame. Thanks to @carlbarat78 and @garycrowleyonair and everyone who came down to celebrate. #buzzcocks pic.twitter.com/wJzoCe7391

— Buzzcocks (@Buzzcocks) September 10, 2023

Buzzcocks, officially inducted into the Camden Walk of Fame on 8th September along with The Kinks, join other musical luminaries to achieve the accolade such as David Bowie, The Who, Amy Winehouse and Madness. The honour comes in recognition of the band’s considerable impact upon the music scene, both within the UK and beyond.

The group was further acclaimed and commended for their influence by fellow stars of the rock world, Liam Gallagher and Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook. Both artists highlighted the importance of Buzzcocks and their ability to churn out hit songs while being true to the punk epithet of making it big through DIY.

Gallagher said, with good-natured tongue in cheek, “congratulations to Steve Diggle and The Buzzcocks for their inauguration in the Camden Walk of Fame. Love The Buzzcocks, second greatest band to come out of Manchester!”

Cook added, “The Buzzcocks booked the Sex Pistols’ first show in Manchester telling us we would be hearing about their band very soon and it wasn’t long before the world was bombarded with hit after hit of unique pure punk power pop energy. So a big thanks to Steve and the boys for putting a smile on our faces. A well deserved star on the Camden Walk of Fame.”

Great two days in Camden thanks everybody we met ! Sonics in the soul ! Onwards and upwards! pic.twitter.com/bnNkXJ8EtW — STEVE DIGGLE (@steveediggle) September 9, 2023

Buzzcocks celebrated their achievement by performing a set at the Camden Music Festival on 9th September and have announced that they will be playing a special one night show at Camden’s KOKO on 22, March next year. The band divulged that they will be playing their hit album, Singles Going Steady in full along with a selection of fan favourites. The band is also set to release a 45th anniversary edition of the album next year.

Tix on sale now for our @KOKOLondon show celebrating 45 years of Singles Going Steady. @Dominorecordco @steveediggle https://t.co/pfWoy0sCOg

— Buzzcocks (@Buzzcocks) August 30, 2023

Buzzcocks were formed in Bolton in 1976 by singer/guitarist Pete Shelley and singer Howard Devoto. The band went on to release three albums and a compilation of their hit singles which formed Singles Going Steady. The band broke up in 1981 following disagreements with their record label United Artists.

The band reunited in 1989 and went on to record six more albums before Shelley’s passing in 2018 however, the band has remained active with Steve Diggle (bass) taking over vocal and guitar duties. Buzzcocks released Sonics In The Soul, their 10th studio effort in 2022 and have stated they are currently in production of a follow up studio recording.

The 45th anniversary performance at KOKO tickets can be purchased here. Tickets for Buzzcock’s tour can be found here.

Buzzcocks Tour:

26/11/2023 – The Academy – Dublin
28/11 – Cyprus Avenue – Cork
01/12 – Salamandra – L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
02/12 – Shoko Madrid – Madrid, Spain
22/03/2024 – KOKO – London
27/04 – O2 Academy – Glasgow
01/06 – Manchester Academy – Manchester