The Sex Pistols - featuring Frank Carter
Teenage Cancer Trust
Royal Albert Hall, London
24 March 2025
In short, a fantastic, fun show. Frank Carter is an inspired choice as front man. He brings incredible energy and respect to the songs and, to my mind, vanquishes any concerns of the Sex Pistols being a "karaoke act" without John Lydon.
I was almost reluctant to see the reformed Sex Pistols. I had seen Generation Sex last summer, with Billy Idol supported by Paul Cook and Steve Jones. That was close to karaoke or perhaps closer to cabaret, as Billy Idol himself looked like a wax figure from a Hammer Horror Film. That day Glenn Matlock had played on the same bill with Blondie. I thought that was as close as I would ever get to seeing the Sex Pistols perform.
When the reports came through that the Sex Pistols were reforming with Frank Carter, I had reservations. Though perhaps not as blanket as some more doctrinaire types who would not see them on principle. Video from their other shows, including a performance at the 100 Club last week, gave some hope.
The Royal Albert Hall also seemed a slightly incongruous venue for the Sex Pistols. Steve Jones admitted during the show it was the first time he had actually seen the place. The RAH generally has very good acoustics but can struggle if there is too much amplification. Tonight, the band had an almost perfect, full and clear sound.
The three members of the Sex Pistols were very much in sync as they ran through their catalogue. However, the surprise package wasCarter who was almost as much as a show in himself. He arrived on stage in a suit and tie, looking like Conor Mcgregor with his red hair and pugnacious stance.
Carter threw himself into the songs - literally. Repeatedly crowd surfing and striking a pose on the supporting hands of the ecstatic fans. It was an unreal channelling of Iggy Pop in that Tom Copi photo from 1968, but without the peanut butter.
I know there are mixed views about the Sex Pistols - featuring Frank Carter's upcoming tour of Australia. All I can say is go along, leave any doctrinaire views about ‘original’ "classic" line ups behind and you will have a good time.
Intro - (God Save The Queen Symphony)
Holidays in the Sun
Seventeen
New York
Pretty Vacant
Bodies
Silly Thing
Liar
God Save the Queen
No Fun
Satellite
No Feelings
Problems
E.M.I.
Encore:
My Way
Anarchy in the U.K.
Black Arabs (Outro)
