The Sex Pistols, the iconic pioneers of punk rock, are gearing up for their first Australian tour since 1996, and the anticipation is electrifying. Fans of the genre are ready to relive the raw energy and revolutionary spirit of the band, but this time, they’ll witness something different as Frank Carter of Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes takes on the role of frontman instead of the notorious John "Johnny Rotten" Lydon.
It has been nearly three decades since the Sex Pistols last graced the Australian stage, and the return promises to be quite the spectacle. Guitarist Steve Jones has shared his thoughts on the band’s latest lineup, affirming their decision to bring Carter on board. “We didn’t audition anybody else,” he told Rolling Stone AU/NZ. “We were doing this benefit in Shepherd’s Bush, rehearsed for a week, and it all fell together. Frank brings this insane energy, he’s in the crowd, he gets people going. And he’s not trying to be Johnny Rotten, which is important. It just works.”
The upcoming tour will focus on the band’s seminal album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, which remains as provocative and relevant today as it was upon its release nearly five decades ago. Famous tracks like "Anarchy in the UK" and "God Save the Queen" encapsulated the frustrations of a generation and launched punk rock as more than just music—it became a cultural movement.
According to Jones, the creation of the album was organic and spontaneous. “It was all so fast. We didn’t have some record guy saying, ‘I don’t hear a single.’ We just had these songs,” he emphasized.
The band’s history is laden with tales of rebellion not only through music but also through fashion and public persona. With management by Malcolm McLaren and the design influence of Vivienne Westwood, the Sex Pistols’ signature style of ripped clothing, safety pins, and DIY aesthetics established them as cultural icons, influencing many subsequent artists and fashion trends.
“It ticked all the boxes—music, fashion, the drama. It was just one of those lightning-in-a-bottle things,” Jones reflected, referencing the chaotic fame surrounding the band, particularly after the tragic deaths of members like Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen.
The revitalization of interest in the Sex Pistols has been bolstered by Danny Boyle’s 2022 miniseries, Pistol, which aimed to introduce new audiences to their story. “It turned a lot of young people on who didn’t know anything about it,” Jones noted, highlighting the impact of this fresh engagement with the band’s legacy.
Meanwhile, Lydon’s absence from the tour trail has been felt; Jones confirmed they haven’t communicated since 2008. “We don’t talk. The last time I spoke to him was 2008. I wish him all the best, but it wasn’t even worth asking John to join us,” he stated, alluding to the fallout from the band’s 2021 lawsuit against Lydon over the usage of their music for the miniseries.
Even with Lydon’s estrangement, the chemistry within the remaining band members has been reignited by Carter’s youthful vigor. “It’s put a lot of new life back,” Jones admitted, mentioning the enthusiastic reactions from crowds, which now include both long-time fans and the newer generation who never experienced punk rock live.
Jones praised Carter’s abilities as a frontman. “He’s got a lot of energy; he’s younger than us, and he’s great. He gets the crowd going; me, Paul, and Glen just stoke the burner on the train.” This fresh dynamic has re-energized the band’s performances.
The rehearsal process reflected their readiness for the tour, with Jones humorously recalling their initial rustiness. “The first show was shaky—a couple of missed chords—but the energy was insane.” He reminisced about the love of performing, noting, “When I see people in the crowd going absolutely mad, it makes it all worth it.”
Looking to the future, the Sex Pistols plan to continue touring through Europe and the United States after their Australian gigs. “We’ve got festivals lined up; it’s going to be a long run,” he added. “But the crowds give us life.”
So as the Sex Pistols prepare to hit Australian shores once again, the anticipation is palpable. “From what I recall, the crowds really got off on it when we played there back then,” Jones concluded, hinting at past glories and the potential for new memories on this tour—a poignant reminder of the band’s legacy of chaos, energy, and punk rock spirit.