Sex Pistols Announce 50th Anniversary Tour, But Without Lydon

Iconic punk rock band, the Sex Pistols, has officially announced a series of concerts to celebrate their 50th anniversary. The tour will include four performances across the U.K., marking half a century since the release of their groundbreaking single, “Anarchy in the U.K.” Notably, the lineup for these shows will feature original members Steve Jones (guitar), Paul Cook (drums), and Glen Matlock (bass), alongside lead singer Frank Carter, who is stepping in for the band’s original frontman, John Lydon.

Lydon, also known as Johnny Rotten, has not performed with the Sex Pistols since 2008, and his absence has been a point of contention with his former bandmates. Over the years, Lydon has publicly clashed with them, including legal disputes regarding the FX TV series “Pistol,” which was based on a memoir by Jones. The reunion last year saw Jones, Cook, and Matlock perform the acclaimed 1977 album “Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols,” with Carter taking the lead vocals.

As the 50th anniversary approaches, excitement is building among fans. The concerts will take place on the following dates:

– **July 11, 2026**: The Piece Hall, Halifax, with special guests The Undertones and Panic Shack
– **July 12, 2026**: Castlefield Bowl, Manchester, featuring Dr. John Cooper Clarke
– **August 1, 2026**: Cardiff Castle, with The Stranglers, The Undertones, and Panic Shack
– **August 2, 2026**: Scarborough Open Air Theatre, also with The Stranglers and The Undertones

Tickets for these highly anticipated concerts will go on sale on November 28, 2023, through platforms such as Ticketmaster and StubHub.

Carter, 41, is an established figure in the punk scene, known for his previous work with bands like Gallows and Pure Love. His involvement with the Sex Pistols has been met with mixed reactions from Lydon, who has dismissed the upcoming shows as “karaoke.” Lydon has made it clear that he does not intend to participate in any future reunions with the band.

The original Sex Pistols lineup, which included Lydon, Matlock, Jones, Cook, and Sid Vicious—who died in 1979—released only one studio album, “Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols.” This album remains a cornerstone of punk music history, featuring hits like “Pretty Vacant,” “God Save the Queen,” and, of course, “Anarchy in the U.K.”

With the tour set to celebrate a significant milestone in punk rock history, John Lydon’s absence has sparked debates among fans and critics alike. Steve Jones expressed a candid sentiment about the new concert dates, stating, “If it ain’t fun, I ain’t doing it. I’m too old for bulls—.” This declaration underscores the band’s commitment to enjoying the music while honoring their legacy.

As anticipation builds for the performances, the Sex Pistols demonstrate that they are far from finished, continuing to leave a profound impact on the music scene even as they navigate interpersonal challenges and changes in their lineup.