The Ultimate Punk Reunion: Frank Carter and the Sex Pistols Tear Up Rock City

September 21, 2024 rocknews

To say I’m excited about seeing the Sex Pistols at Rock City is an understatement.

In fact, I’ve waited nearly 50 years for this occasion. Since a kid, and to the dismay of my parents, I have owned the “Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols” album on vinyl, tape, CD, and back to vinyl again. I’ve even got the T-shirt (various sizes, some of them must have shrunk in the wash) and in the attic the poster that used to hang on my bedroom wall.

Tonight though, the Sex Pistols have a new front man. This made me think, and I’m sure we all have at some point, what if my favourite band stops, quits, or splits? Axl Rose stood in for AC/DC’s Brian Johnson and KISS have now become computer-generated avatars. It worked well with Axl; however, the verdict’s currently out on the future of KISS. When I saw that Frank Carter is joining the Sex Pistols, the only thought that went through my head was “absolutely fucking perfect!” I have seen Carter performing with his band The Rattlesnakes, and it’s a complete no-brainer that he should be at the front, blasting the Sex Pistols into 2024 like a rocket.

With Frank, and stood in front of album cover inspired yellow and pink Marshall amps, draped with QPR flags, are Steve Jones and Glen Matlock. Just behind is the thundering Paul ‘Cookie’ Cook. The band are here to perform their one and only studio album, “Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols.” With accolades of being the greatest punk album and one of the most important albums of all time, tonight will be one to remember.

As Rock City’s lights dimmed a classical version of “God Save The Queen” plays from the speakers. The crowd begin to slowly chant the “No future” lines in time to the music and then, like lightning the stage lit up revealing a decorated set of Pink & Yellow, mimicking the bright album cover. Out come the Sex Pistols to the biggest cheer from the hyped-up audience packing out the floor and balcony of the Nottingham venue.

As Cookies’ sticks hit the skins of his drum, the sweaty crowd inside Rock City begin pogo-ing. The pushing and shoving start as the guitars of Jones and Matlock erupt with the opening bars of “Holidays in the Sun,” and the atmosphere turns electric. Then, in a Johnny Rotten-esque way, Carter sings the first lines of the song and there’s not a voice in the venue that isn’t singing along. The excitement of what’s unfolding in front of me is fantastic.

With no time to catch our breath, the band is straight into the next song, “Seventeen.” In typical Carter fashion, Frank is pacing the stage standing on the very edge itching to climb on the rail of the crowd barrier. His enthusiasm is evident as he sings and genuinely recognises the passion of the crowd in front of him. At one point Carter acknowledges how lucky he is to get to sing the Pistols iconic songs.

Next up is “New York” before the venue lifts the roof singing “Pretty Vacant.” “Bodies,” “Did You No Wrong,” and “Liar” followed, and the whole venue is pogo-ing and screaming.

With the venue shaking from the movement of the crowd the punk anthem proclaiming the dissatisfaction with the monarchy and political establishments begins. Everyone around me is singing the chorus with some substituting ‘King’ for ‘Queen’.

“Submission,” the song about a submarine mission that was meant to be oh so different (IYKYK), is next before Carter joins the crowd on the floor in front of him. Encouraging the mass of people to make a circle pit. With everyone running around him the band launches into “Satellite.” At the end of the song, Carter makes his way back to the stage crowd surfing on the sea of sweaty bodies beneath him. This is fucking awesome to watch.

“No Feelings” and the Stooges “No Fun” are next before “E.M.I.,” the song that mocks the record label who bit off more than they could chew after signing the Pistols. “Problems” ends the regular set before the band leaves the stage to the rapturous applause, cheers, and whistles from an appreciative crowd. So far, it’s a fantastic gig, the crowd being transported back to a time when music was raw, aggressive, and energetic.

After catching their breath, the Sex Pistols storm back on stage for a two-song encore. First, they perform ‘My Way’. Not originally on the “Bollocks” album but came later being recorded on the “Great Rock ‘N’ Roll Swindle”. Frank made a comment in the gig that “If you’re going to sing along. You’d better know the words!”. The crowd knew the words almost drowning out the band as they shouted along.

And finally for the most iconic Pistol song of all. The epitome of the punk movement. The anthem of a genre. A song that’s been covered, imitated by many. Some versions have been good, Megadeaths for example. And some have been poor, Motley Crüe’s. As Jone’s powerful distorted guitar rift immediately grabs the attention of the crowd, they go wild. The roof is blown off Rock City as Frank Carter’s gritty vocals keeps the songs political message alive, substituting the lyrics with “EDF, USA & IDF”. Iconic riffs, thundering drums, and crashing cymbals create an electric atmosphere the crowd’s reaction is pure chaos and joy. Jumping and singing. The sheer energy shaking the foundations of the building. Tonight, has been the greatest version of “Anarchy” I have ever seen. An amazing way to end the night and a raw and powerful reminder of why the Sex Pistols are still punk legends.

I have a hunch that Frank Carter teaming up with the Sex Pistols is just the beginning. Could we be looking at a follow-up to “Never Mind The Bollocks”? We can only hope! With tonight’s gig being off the charts, I’m kicking myself for not grabbing tickets to more shows on this tour. If you get the chance to see them live, don’t miss it. You’re in for a brilliant night!