Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones recently discussed the new Sex Pistols lineup and shut the door on a John Lydon reunion by recalling the disappointing 1996 reunion. He shared his thoughts in an interview with Guitar World.
Jones reflected candidly on the band’s struggles during their original lineup reunion and how Carter’s energy transformed their performances.
“I was just done. I was looking at my watch after two songs, thinking, ‘I’m so fucking miserable doing this,'” Jones said. “That was the last time we did anything with the original lineup. I was quite happy with not doing it again, but this came about with Frank [Carter].”
The 70-year-old guitarist praised Carter’s dynamic stage presence and youthful energy.
“Frank’s a lot younger, so he’s got a lot more energy. He’s literally the best; I call him the ringmaster,” Jones continued. “He loves getting the crowd going; he goes crowd-surfing and just takes the heat off of me, Cookie, and Glen. I’m 70, so I’m definitely not jumping into the crowd.”
Jones emphasized that Carter brings his own unique style to the role rather than attempting to replicate Johnny Rotten’s approach.
“He’s great – and he’s definitely not trying to be Johnny Rotten. He’s really something else, and he’s made it a lot of fun,” he concluded.
The collaboration between Jones and Carter represents a significant chapter in the Sex Pistols’ ongoing legacy. It marks a new era for the influential punk band.
The comments come as John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) has recently stated he will never return to the Sex Pistols.
When asked about a possible reunion with the Pistols during the Independent interview, Lydon said, “Never, not after what I consider their dirty deeds, let them wallow in Walt Disney woke expectations.”
“They’ve killed the content, or done their best to, and turned the whole thing into a rubbish childishness, and that’s unacceptable,” he continued. “Sorry, I’m not going to give a helping hand to this any longer, as far as I am concerned, I am the Pistols, and they’re not.”
Wikipedia reported that Jones and the band reunited with Carter for a series of shows in 2024. These included performances at Bush Hall in Shepherds Bush and the AMA Music Festival, where they played the entire Never Mind the Bollocks album. The partnership proved so successful that the band announced a UK tour later that year and confirmed their participation in the 2025 Download Festival lineup.
Carter’s selection as the new frontman came after what Mojo described as an exhilarating audition process. Carter is known for his ferocious and energetic performances with his own bands. He was widely praised for breathing new life into the legendary punk outfit. His dynamic stage presence and ability to connect with audiences made him an ideal fit for the band’s renewed energy.
The impact of Carter’s involvement has been evident at recent live performances. Rock News noted that Carter’s enthusiasm and recognition of the band’s legacy have been particularly notable during shows. He spiritedly energizes crowds while openly acknowledging how fortunate he feels to perform these iconic songs. This helps the Sex Pistols connect with both new and longtime fans.
The successful partnership has allowed the Sex Pistols to continue their musical journey without the tensions that plagued previous reunions. Carter’s fresh approach and genuine respect for the band’s history have created an environment where the remaining original members can focus on their music rather than interpersonal conflicts.
