Steve Jones Reveals 16-Year Silence with Johnny Rotten

Steve Jones, the iconic guitarist of the Sex Pistols, revealed in a recent episode of the Rockonteurs podcast that he hasn’t had any communication with his former bandmate John Lydon, famously known as Johnny Rotten, for over ten years. Jones candidly stated, “I haven’t spoken to him in years. The last time we interacted was back in 2008 when we completed a series of 30 shows across Europe. We toured extensively, hitting various festivals, and even performed in Japan and Australia. Our final performance together took place at the renowned Hammersmith Odeon, later known as Hammersmith Apollo, followed by one last show in the Basque country.”

Despite their history, the internal conflicts within the Sex Pistols have proven insurmountable, leading to another disbandment. The band’s last performance featuring Lydon occurred on September 5, 2008, marking a significant moment in punk rock history. Jones expressed his frustrations candidly, saying, “I was done after that, no more. It became too much to handle. I felt too old and overwhelmed, with not enough accomplished.”

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Since their split, the members of the Sex Pistols have pursued various individual projects. In 2022, the band made headlines once again with the release of Pistol, a limited TV series that delves into their tumultuous history, showcasing their rise to fame and the chaos that often surrounded them. Notably, Lydon attempted to legally prevent his former bandmates from releasing the show, which highlighted the ongoing tensions and unresolved issues within the group.

Steve Jones Reveals Exciting Future Plans for Sex Pistols Without Johnny Rotten

Earlier this year, Jones rejoined forces with original drummer Paul Cook and bassist Glen Matlock to breathe new life into the Sex Pistols. They welcomed Frank Carter, the dynamic frontman of the English punk band Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, to take over vocal duties in place of Lydon. This new collaboration resulted in a series of nine electrifying performances, receiving rave reviews from both fans and music critics alike, showcasing a fresh take on their classic sound.

During his appearance on the Rockonteurs podcast, Jones expressed enthusiasm for the new lineup, stating, “This is different. It feels like a completely different vibe—night and day.” His words resonate with fans eager for a new direction and energy in the band’s music.

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Jones continued to praise Carter’s unique style, explaining, “He doesn’t try to imitate John. It’s just pure fun. You know what I mean? It translates into a great experience for the audience. We’re playing the music the way it was intended, and with Carter’s energetic stage presence, the performances are filled with a joyous spontaneity that captivates everyone.”

While the Sex Pistols may have concluded their touring activities for 2024, Jones confirmed that fans can expect more from the band, stating, “We are going to hit the road again next year.” Anticipation builds as followers look forward to seeing what this legendary group will bring to the stage in the future.