Sex Pistols become Sweat Pistols as they head for the second of their three night, sold-out stint at Bush Hall. And boy, it was hot.
Fronted by Frank Carter of Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, the Hertfordshire singer helps bridge the gap between Sex Pistols playing a heritage set to original punks to them playing a fresh ‘new’ set to a diverse audience. Infusing a modern-hardcore edge into the legendary foundations that precede him, the group performs with the tightness and chemistry of a band that have been playing together for years.
Playing ‘Never Mind the Bollocks…’ in full (but not in order) the crowd are witnessing history tonight. I mean, how many people can say they’ve seen the original Sex Pistols lineup (Paul Cook, Steve Jones, and Glen Matlock) play together for the first time in nearly 30 years? It’s a surreal experience. But there’s no need to pinch yourself, as the occasional pint cup flying into your face serves as a vivid reminder of where you are.
Original frontman, John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) is obviously not present because… well, we’ve all seen his political views. But Carter fills the position like he was born to do it and there’s a Paul McLoone / Undertones swagger to him, solidifying him as a breathtaking frontman. In all honesty, my eyes are glued to him the whole night. Injecting new life into the show, it’s clear that he is the person for the job (although, I still think Skin would have been a great shout and there is something there for ‘Anansie in the UK’. But whatever, I’m not part of the choosing process).
With sweat dripping from the chandeliers the juxtaposition between one of the most influential UK punk bands tearing apart a stage whilst being towered by gorgeous chandeliers is somewhat hilarious. Carter throws his bottle into the crowd and it hits the lights, the glass wobbles precariously. If that thing is going to fall it’s going to cost a lot, but it would make for an epic photo.
The gig starts with a sea of phones lighting the room as everyone is wanting to capture this moment. This makes me a bit ‘Panicky in the UK’ (sorry) that this will be the attitude towards the set throughout, but before you know it bodies ranging from 18 years of age to 60 years of age are surfing the crowds. Security are seamlessly catching the crowd-surfers coming hurtling towards the stage before Carter jumps into the action. He asks “Do I need to show you how to start a circle pit?” Steve Jones adds, “Yeah, you cunts!” The crowd circle around Carter like predators whilst he screams in the middle. Everyone’s t-shirts are wet through, the floor is soaked, steam is rising from all the bald heads and something tells me the band are still sweaty from last night’s show.
Throughout the 65 minute set, there’s no pause for respite. We have ‘God Save the Queen’ (lyrics changed to ‘God Save the King’) and other favourites such as ‘Pretty Vacant’ and ‘Anarchy in the UK’. Scattering the hits throughout the set, the audience are kept on their toes. Speaking to Emma Hutchinson, co-founder of Bush Hall after the show, she says, “In their extraordinary, vibrant and explosive comeback to raise funds for Bush Hall, the iconic Sex Pistols has catapulted us into a new public consciousness. ALL grassroots venues need artists like these guys. Their music is timeless and captures the vital, tangible experience that is live music. Thank you so, so much”.
With the Sex Pistols once notorious for attracting religious protesters to their gigs urging fans to stay away (Wales, 1976), Carter has managed to keep that rebellious spirit alive—this time, though, even those former protesters might find themselves queuing up for the next show. Let’s be honest, they probably won’t buy a t-shirt, but they’ll definitely be buying a ticket. Sex Pistols are fuckin’ back.
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Words: Jazz Hodge
Images: Paul Grace
Set list:
Holidays
Seventeen
New York
Pretty Vacant
Bodies
Did U No Wrong
Liar
God Save the Queen
Submission
Satellite
No Feelings
EMI
Problems
No Fun
Anarchy in the UK
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