Legendary punk rockers The Sex Pistols last played together back in 2008. The band has a long history of infighting, mostly between singer Johnny (Lydon) Rotten and the rest of the group. Guitarist Steve Jones has said in the years since that it’s not worth his mental health to try to reform with Lydon.
The most recent falling out between Lydon and the group came with the release of the biopic series, “Pistol,” which was based on Jones’ memoir. Lydon sued to stop the band’s music from being used in the series, and said he faced “financial ruin” after losing the lawsuit. “This entire juggernaut of confusion has cost me millions,” he said. “Such a hideous, nasty onslaught. I never expected Steve, Paul and Glen to be that evil – and we never even sat down and had a conversation about it.”
In surprising news on Monday, the Sex Pistols, sans Lydon, announced they will be doing a pair of benefit shows on Aug. 13 and 14 at London’s Bush Hall with proceeds benefiting the venue. The band will be joined by singer Frank Carter, who also front Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes.
“Smaller music venues are the lifeblood of new music,” bassist Glen Matlock said in an official release. “It’s in these intimate spaces that raw talent gets a chance to shine, where bands can really connect with their audiences, and where the spirit of live music truly comes alive, so we need to keep them going.”
Carter added: “This has been a joy from start to finish. When the Sex Pistols call, you answer. I’m very excited to be a part of it.”
Drummer Paul Cook came up with the idea for the shows. “We’re going to be playing Pistols numbers, ’cause they need support and they need the money,” he said. “This is my local venue. I grew up in Shepherd’s Bush and I still live round here. It would be a real shame to see it disappear and we want to keep it going.”
Jones added: “If it all goes wrong, it’s Paul’s f*cking fault.”
