Three quarters of legendary punk rockers The Sex Pistols reunited recently for a series of benefit shows. The band — bassist Glen Matlock, drummer Paul Cook and guitarist Steve Jones — were joined by singer Frank Carter, and the gigs went so well that they plan to continue with select dates throughout 2025 including support slots with Guns N’ Roses.
The Sex Pistols are also set to make their first appearances in Australia and New Zealand in nearly 30 years, and Jones chatted with Rolling Stone AU/NZ about why the band decided to continue without original singer John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten.
Rotten commented on the reunion saying: “It’s just karaoke, really. I would love to be embarrassed by high-quality songwriting from them. They’ve had long enough to get that together now, haven’t they? Yeah, but no, they profess their hatred for me, but they can’t live without me. Yeah, I am the punishment that goes on giving.”
Jones revealed that he hasn’t spoken to Rotten since 2008, and their relationship really soured when the band had to battle Rotten in court over the use of their music for the FX miniseries “Pistol.” The band ended up winning the case.
“We don’t talk,” Jones told Rolling Stone. “The last time I spoke to him was 2008. But I wish him all the best. I really do. We had a great time when we were young, and it was life-changing for all of us. But after the court case with ‘Pistol,’ it wasn’t even worth asking John. I don’t think he was interested.”
