Words and Pictures: Bracken Hake / Kraken Media
Tonight’s the night when I get to see a band I never thought I’d ever get to see, let alone photograph: the legendary Sex Pistols, with none other than Frank Carter (this time without his Rattlesnakes) on vocals! At Bush Hall—yes, you heard that right, the Sex Pistols at a venue with a capacity of 450 people! It’s probably the smallest venue they’ve played in decades. I arrived a few minutes before the band was due to start due to an already packed venue populated by a very diverse crowd. Punks, old and new, crowded the tiny hall, each one looking extremely excited to see the show.
Having seen ‘Pistol’, the Danny Boyle series that charted the rise and ultimately dissolution of the band featuring John “Johnny Rotten” Lydon, Steve Jones, Glen Matlock and Paul Cook and of course the late, infamous Sid Vicious, there remains a place in our hearts for the band that reset the musical landscape back in the 1970s. Despite being sympathetic to the cause, telling an engrossing story and showing all members in a favourable light (in the most part), it’s clear that Lydon simply doesn’t want part of it anymore. From a lawsuit to try and block the series to barbed words in the press and social media, I’m sure Lydon would have assumed \ hoped that his absence would have put the band to bed once and for all. He reckoned however without the camaraderie of the remaining members and the fact that Frank Carter saw Lydon as an inspiration for his own musical career. The combination of the four drew gasps of approval from those who recognised that this was going to be a big deal. Lydon-ites, vocally less impressed but it’s hardly surprising that the Victor Meldrews of the punk scene would have something negative to say. We however didn’t care, I didn’t care. I wasn’t born when the band first came to the scene, I wasn’t even around when they reformed for the ‘Filthy Lucre’ shows in the 90s. This was my chance to see what all of the fuss was about.
When the band came out, I was instantly mesmerized by Carter’s energy and stage presence, full of vigor from start to finish. That this was their third night of shows at Bush Hall probably helped immensely. Any first night jitters, cobwebs and rust had been well and truly blown away, leaving a band firing on all cylinders. I was really impressed with Carter’s vocals; he had that classic punk sound that fit the Sex Pistols vibe perfectly! He embodied everything a punk frontman should be, from launching himself around with a mic stand to climbing on the barrier and singing closely to the fans, even indulging in a bit of crowd surfing to top it all off! I really felt like I was at a 70s punk show (though, again admittedly, that’s way before my time). They played some absolute bangers from the Pistols’ back catalogue, such as “Holidays in the Sun,” “Pretty Vacant,” “God Save the Queen,” and the legendary “Anarchy in the U.K.” It was an amazing experience to finally hear some of the most prolific music from history in person, which is something I never thought I’d get the opportunity to do.
With the extra shows now coming up, the ones that will generate some serious, if not filthy, lucre for the band, one can only assume that the sets will get tighter and tighter as they progress. Never Mind The Bollocks in full plus 3 b-sides from the singles released doesn’t make for a long set BUT isn’t that the point of a punk gig? Turn up, tune up, play and go… job done!
The crowd went absolutely wild throughout the set—definitely one of the most animated crowds I’ve seen in a while, jumping and moshing along. My only complaint was that it wasn’t in a bigger venue; however, they are playing the Kentish Town Forum soon! The main benefit of the shows at Bush Hall was highlighted by Frank Carter during the show. He mentioned that these sold-out Sex Pistols shows helped save the venue from closing, which is amazing given how many smaller venues are shutting their doors before many incredible bands get a chance to play them. For that, I thank them!
Legacy preserved, most definitely not tarnished
Since the charity events (3 of them) at Bush Hall, the band have announced a further series of UK dates, performing Never Mind The Bollocks in its entirety, this is in addition to the already announced and sold out Forum show in London. .
The new shows are at:
Tour Dates
September 2024:
20 Nottingham – Rock City
21 Birmingham – O2 Academy
22 Glasgow – O2 Academy
24 Manchester – Manchester Academy
26 London – O2 Kentish Town Forum (SOLD OUT)
TICKETS
For Nottingham, Birmingham, Manchester CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS
For Glasgow tickets, CLICK HERE
Praise for Bush Hall Shows:
“rip-roaring punk rock redux” – The Guardian
“the most glorious sight in a beautiful music hall in west London is of a band, at last, regaining its liberty”
Kerrang!
“the group performs with the tightness and chemistry of a band that have been playing together for
years…. Sex Pistols are fuckin’ back.” CLASH
“Full throttle pure punk” – i
“delivered with a pile-driving, wall-shaking intensity that threatened to destroy the very venue it was trying
to preserve.” Daily Telegraph
“Carter, and three of the original Sex Pistols members led the thronging, sweaty crowd through a night of
unadulterated punk rock mayhem at Bush Hall.” Evening Standard
“Sheer joy. They should tour it everywhere. God save their mad parade.” Louder
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