Sex Pistols at Bush Hall: Seventies Icons Still Punk Without John Lydon

Tonight’s event underscores the rift within the Sex Pistols as the legendary punk band takes the stage without their iconic frontman, John “Johnny Rotten” Lydon. Over the years, tensions have risen between Lydon and the other band members, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock, and Paul Cook. The divide culminated in a legal battle when Lydon opposed the use of the band’s music in a TV series made with director Danny Boyle. Unfortunately for Lydon, the court ruled against him.

Despite the legal drama, the remaining Pistols have come together for a series of three concerts at the Bush Hall in London, a venue close to their hearts. Jones proudly wore a “Shepherd’s Bush” T-shirt, while Matlock’s amp was adorned with a Queens Park Rangers FC flag—a nod to the local football club.

The absence of Lydon is palpable. His fierce presence and biting lyrics were what defined the Pistols, making songs like “She was a girl from Birmingham/ She just had an abortion” resonate with raw emotion. Lydon transformed their music into a visceral experience, creating sonic explosions with his words.

Filling in for Lydon is Frank Carter, a contemporary British punk singer. It’s a tall order, and while replicating Lydon’s unique style is next to impossible, Carter gives it his all. He mimics Lydon’s intro to the Stooges’ “No Fun,” throws himself into the crowd, and even pulls pop-punk artist Yungblud from the front row to join him on “God Save the Queen.” Carter acts as both a ringmaster and a singer, mindful not to overshadow the band’s storied history.

The setlist is decidedly nostalgic, focusing exclusively on the Lydon era. The band performs the entirety of Never Mind the Bollocks and three B-sides within an hour. In truth, the Pistols only ever had a handful of landmark songs, but they proved that even a small catalog can leave a lasting impact. The band smartly spaces out their most iconic tracks—“Holidays in the Sun,” “Pretty Vacant,” “God Save the Queen,” and “Anarchy in the UK”—throughout the show.

The performance kicks off with “Holidays in the Sun,” but it’s clear that time has taken a toll. Cook diligently maintains the marching kick-drum beat, waiting until Jones finally joins in with a riff that comes off a bit muddy at first. It’s not the most polished set—Jones appears a bit rusty and possibly affected by the room’s intense heat. Yet, the Sex Pistols were never about perfection. They were a punk band, and messiness was part of their charm.

Nearly 50 years on, these tracks no longer carry the explosive force that once incited insurrection and rebellion among teenagers. Still, when the band hits their stride, the weight of their music remains undeniable. Cook is a standout on drums, energetically guiding his bandmates and supporting Carter with zeal. Matlock, now an older but dashing figure, seems ready for a cameo in a comedy, while Jones, though pushing 70, still thrashes on his Les Paul with vigor.

Events like tonight’s concert are about more than playing music; they’re about preserving a legacy. At Bush Hall, the Pistols honor theirs without blemish, even if their glory days are behind them. No one in the crowd felt the way Lydon once famously asked—“Ever get the feeling you’ve been cheated?”—as the concert wrapped up. Despite all, the Pistols delivered a performance worthy of their name.

Source: Various sources