Music

Sex Pistols Reunion Nixed by John Lydon Over ‘Woke’ Issues

Sarah Parker April 3, 2025

Devotees of the legendary English punk band, the Sex Pistols, should recalibrate their hopes concerning a reunion with their iconic frontman, Johnny Rotten. The vocalist has made it clear that a return to the stage together is highly unlikely, leaving fans to ponder the future of the band without its original voice.

The excitement surrounding a potential reunion tour for the Sex Pistols ignited in 2024 when news broke that the band—consisting of original members Steve Jones, Paul Cook, and Glen Matlock—was set to perform a two-night series of concerts aimed at raising funds for West London’s Bush Hall. This announcement sent shockwaves through the punk community, igniting discussions about the band’s legacy and future.

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In a surprising twist, instead of Johnny Rotten (born John Lydon) leading the band, the group will now feature Frank Carter as the vocalist. Carter, known for his dynamic performances with bands such as Gallows, Pure Love, and Frank Carter And The Rattlesnakes, brings a fresh energy to the lineup. This rebranding has led to the current iteration of the band being promoted as “Sex Pistols Featuring Frank Carter,” signaling a new chapter for the iconic punk outfit.

While Lydon has not held back in expressing his views on the new formation of the band, he previously characterized the reunion as akin to “karaoke.” His candid remarks in various interviews highlight his discontent with the direction the band has taken, as he feels it undermines the true essence and meaning of the Sex Pistols.

Reflecting on the news of the tour without him, Lydon shared his frustrations with British publication The i Paper, stating, “When I first learned that the Sex Pistols were embarking on a tour this year without my involvement, it infuriated me. It was disappointing. I thought to myself, ‘they are going to ruin everything that made the Pistols great by stripping away its core purpose and message.’” His sentiments resonate deeply with fans who cherish the band’s original spirit.

Recently, Lydon addressed the possibility of a future reunion where he might reclaim his role as frontman. However, in an interview with PA (as reported by The Independent), he shared that following legal disputes with his former bandmates regarding the use of their music in the 2022 FX/Disney+ series Pistol, any hopes for such a reunion are unlikely to materialize for fans of the band.

“Never, not after what I consider their dirty deeds, let them wallow in Walt Disney’s woke expectations,” he stated emphatically. “They have tarnished the essence of our music, or done their best to, transforming it into something trivial and juvenile, which is wholly unacceptable to me.”

“I refuse to lend my support to this endeavor any longer. As far as I’m concerned, I am the Sex Pistols, and they are not,” he declared, underscoring his belief in his integral role in the band’s identity and legacy.

In a recent discussion, Steve Jones clarified that Lydon had not been part of any conversations regarding this new incarnation of the band. He acknowledged that attempting to bring him back would be futile, given the extent of their recent disagreements. This admission reflects the growing rift between the original members and the new direction of the band.

“I literally haven’t had any communication with John since our last tour in 2008,” Jones remarked. “I want to emphasize that I hold no ill will toward John. I think he’s fantastic; I have great affection for him. We shared incredible experiences together, but I’m moving forward from that chapter. It’s just that it’s no longer enjoyable for me.”

The newly reformed band recently announced a series of North American tour dates, set to kick off in Dallas, TX on September 16 and concluding in Los Angeles, CA on October 16. This tour marks a significant moment for fans eager to experience the legacy of the Sex Pistols in a new light.

Upcoming Tour Dates for Sex Pistols Featuring Frank Carter – North American Tour 2025

September 16 – Longhorn Ballroom, Dallas, TX
September 23 – 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
September 26 – Fillmore, Philadelphia, PA
September 27 – TBD, Brooklyn, NY
September 30 – Mtelus, Montreal, QC
October 1 – History, Toronto, ON
October 3 – Agora Theatre, Cleveland, OH
October 4 – Fillmore, Detroit, MI
October 7 – Fillmore, Minneapolis, MN
October 10 – Mission Ballroom, Denver, CO
October 13 – Showbox SoDo, Seattle, WA
October 15 – Warfield, San Francisco, CA
October 16 – Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles, CA