The Sex Pistols first formed in 1975, and despite disbanding two and a half years later, and producing only one studio album in 1977:Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, widely regarded as one of the most influential punk records of all time; They embodied the punk rock movement of the 1970’s and their influence on fashion, music and culture was wide reaching.
Their first Australian tour in 1996, also at Festival Hall, featured frontman Johnny Rotten (John Lydon), whilst their current line-up sees Frank Carter of Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes take on vocal duties, with original members Steve Jones on guitar, Glen Matlock on bass and Paul Cook on drums.
The fluoro-pink and yellow back drop reflects the design on the album cover Never Mind the Bollocks. Super Fucking Hoops is emblazoned on a Marshall amp, NMTB (Never Mind the Bollocks) on the drum kit and the words Nowhere and Boredom printed on two images of giant Marshall amps on the backdrop. Is the omission of the band’s name a punk statement?
As the symphonic version of “God Save the Queen” blares through the speakers, the Sex Pistols take their spots on stage. “Holidays in the Sun” kicks off the set and Frank Carter’s vocal gives the song an edge, without trying to be Rotten. Matlock’s solid bass lines, Cook’s powered drumming and Jones’ raw trademark guitar riffs awaken the throng.
“This is one of the greatest punk songs ever written,” exclaims Carter, inciting a mass sing along and fist pumping from the crowd to “Pretty Vacant.” As Carter jumps off the stage into the crowd, he creates a large circle pit while he sings “Bodies,” as he’s hoisted up by the crowd, he flings the microphone stand above his head before crowd surfing back to the stage.
“Silly Thing” from the Great Rock n Roll Swindle Soundtrack is performed with aplomb.
“I want every single one of ya to sing along. If you don’t know the lyrics then why are you fucking here?” commands Carter, spurning another mass sing along to “God Save the Queen,” with copious fist pumping from the punters.
A searing rendition of The Stooges, “No Fun,” follows in quick succession and “E.M.I” written about the band’s dissatisfaction with their record label, signals the end of the set. “My Way” (Claude Francois cover and originally sung by Sid Vicious) is crooned by Carter for the encore, before being sped up to the version we all know and love.
For the finale, one of their finest “Anarchy in the UK” is performed to deafening screams from the crowd, culminating in a frenetic 70-minute set of punk rock gold, performed by three founding members of the Sex Pistols and while Johnny Rotten was missed, Carter, Jones, Matlock and Cook ensured the spirit of punk lives on and left smiles on the faces of fans old and new.
