Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones has defended the band’s new singer Frank Carter against criticism from former frontman John Lydon, in comments shared via WestWorld. Lydon had previously called the band’s new lineup a “karaoke” band.
Jones was asked about Carter and Lydon’s response to the replacement vocalist. Jones explained his view of the new singer and addressed Lydon’s public comments about the direction the band has taken.
“[Frank]’s a real pro, and I like his voice,” Jones said. “He’s not trying to be John Lydon, Johnny Rotten. He’s got a good rock and roll sense about him and is a lot younger, so he has bundles of energy. Not like the rest, the three of us, struggling to get by, doing an hour show. Well, we’re not really struggling, but you know what I mean? There’s a big difference between 42 and 71.”
On Lydon’s criticism, Jones added context to the former singer’s reaction. “Well, what did you expect John to say? You know, John’s John. He’s always going to say stuff like that. He’s never gonna be happy for you. Even if he is secretly. I mean, he’s out there working his tail off with PiL right now.”
Despite the disagreement over the new lineup, Jones said he holds no grudge. “And I never get offended by anything John says. I still have a love for him from what we achieved back in the day. And I wish him only the best. I really do, and I’m not just saying that. I really do.”
Jones made these comments as the Sex Pistols moved forward with Carter as their new vocalist. The split between Jones and Lydon over the band’s future reflects their different views on how the group should continue.
The tension between Jones and Lydon stems from their competing visions for the Sex Pistols after the band reunited in 2024. Original members Jones, drummer Paul Cook, and bassist Glen Matlock brought back the Sex Pistols without Lydon, who refused to tour with his old band. Frank Carter, who was born on 27 April 1984 and is an English musician and tattoo artist known for his work with Gallows, Pure Love, and Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, joined the group in June of 2024 and quickly proved his value to the reunion.
The shows with Carter have drawn strong reactions from fans and earned praise from his bandmates. The Pistols performed at major festivals including Download Festival and played dates throughout 2025 before guitarist Steve Jones broke his wrist in September 2025, forcing the cancelation of all remaining North and South American dates. With Jones now fully recovered, the band has confirmed rescheduled North American tour dates for fall 2026. Bassist Glen Matlock has expressed enthusiasm about Carter’s potential, saying the band has ideas about recording new material with him and noting that “Frank is a very good lyricist,” though they have been too busy to work on new songs.
Lydon has pursued his own musical path during this period. His band Public Image Ltd launched its “This Is Not The Final PiL Tour” first leg on Sept. 3 in Pioneertown, California, and concluded on Oct. 9 in Nashville, with a second leg beginning on Feb. 17 in Salt Lake City and ending on March 24 in Cleveland. PiL released the live album Alive, which was recorded during 2025 dates, ahead of a new studio album set for 2027.
The conflict between the former bandmates also includes a legal dimension: Lydon lost a court battle on August 23 against his former bandmates over refusing to license the group’s music for inclusion in Danny Boyle’s upcoming biopic series, Pistols. The majority rule agreement allowed the decision to proceed without Lydon’s consent, a ruling he said added to his grievances during a difficult personal period.
