Anarchy in the UK - Sex Pistols are back without former singer Lydon
The British punk band Sex Pistols played all the songs from their legendary album "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols" at their first concert in 16 years, leaving fans thrilled. The Tuesday evening benefit concert was the first of three sold-out shows in London.
Guitarist Steve Jones (68), drummer Paul Cook (68), and bassist Glen Matlock (67) performed without their former frontman John Lydon, also known as Johnny Rotten. British punk singer Frank Carter (40), who wasn't born when "Never Mind The Bollocks" was released in 1977, took over vocals.
Reunion for a good cause
The band delivered an energetic set with punk classics like "Holidays In The Sun", "Problems", "Liar", or "Anarchy In The UK" from their cult album to around 400 spectators at the Bush Hall in Shepherd's Bush, West London. During the hit "God Save The Queen", British rock singer Yungblud ("Parents") joined on stage and sang along before partying with fans in the audience.
Two years ago, Steve Jones had deemed a Sex Pistols reunion very unlikely. The cause this time was a good one. The Bush Hall was facing financial difficulties and the proceeds from the concerts and a crowdfunding campaign aim to secure its future. Tickets sold out within minutes.
Over the past 20 years, numerous stars have performed at the Bush Hall, including Adele, Amy Winehouse, Chris Rea, and The Killers. However, bookings had reportedly declined significantly recently.
Relationship with former singer Lydon strained
The Sex Pistols originally disbanded in 1978. They reunited for concerts and tours in the 90s and 2000s. Their last performance together with frontman Lydon was in 2008.
Recently, the singer lost a court battle against his former bandmates. He had tried to prevent the use of Sex Pistols songs in the TV series "Pistol", based on guitarist Jones' memoirs. Since then, the musicians are said to have had no contact with each other.
The proceeds from the sold-out concerts and a crowdfunding campaign, organized by The Commission, aim to secure the future of the financially struggling Bush Hall. Despite former frontman John Lydon's absence, Steve Jones expressed surprise at the likelihood of a Sex Pistols reunion just two years prior.
