Iconic 70s rock band announce new UK tour dates to perform debut album in its entirety

Sex Pistols with Frank Carter have announced new dates (Picture: Dave Hogan/Hogan Media/Shutterstock)

In response to overwhelming demand, members of the legendary punk band Sex Pistols, alongside Frank Carter, have announced four additional UK tour dates.

This follows a series of sold-out shows in London, where the group played the iconic Never Mind The Bollocks album in its entirety to support grassroots music venue, Bush Hall.

The collaboration between Sex Pistols’ Glen Matlock, Paul Cook, Steve Jones, and Frank Carter first came to life during a special charity performance at Bush Hall in Shepherd’s Bush, west London.

The venue, which had been under threat due to financial struggles, was chosen as the site for this unique event after its owners revealed a need to raise £42,000 through crowdfunding to continue hosting live music.

The initial show on August 13 sold out quickly, prompting the band to add two more dates on August 14 and 15 due to immense demand.

Following the success of these performances and an ‘overwhelming response’ from fans, another date was scheduled at the O2 Forum Kentish Town on September 26. Tickets for this show sold out in just five minutes.

Glen Matlock reportedly decided that the band would perform the debut album (Picture: Jason Mendez/Getty Images)

Frank Carter has taken on the role of lead singer (Picture: Elsie Roymans/Getty Images)

Now, the band has expanded their tour with four more dates across the UK. The tour will kick off in Nottingham on September 20, followed by performances in Birmingham (September 21), Glasgow (September 22), and Manchester (September 24). The tour will conclude with the previously announced show in London on September 26.

‘There was an overwhelming response on social media from fans asking to play different parts of the country,’ said Steve Jones. ‘So guess what? It will be done. We will be tighter than a rat’s arse by the time we get to Kentish Town.’

Matlock revealed earlier this year that he has not seen former Sex Pistols bandmate Johnny Rotten since 2008, and when asked about reconnecting, bluntly said: ‘He knows my number.’

The Sex Pistols was originally comprised of Glen Matlock, Johnny Rotten (aka John Lydon), Steve Jones, and Paul Cook (Picture: Express/Getty Images)

In an interview with NME a few months ago, Frank Carter shared how the collaboration with the Sex Pistols members came about.

‘I first met Steve [Jones, guitarist] back in Los Angeles in 2007 and we had a long chat about punk rock and what it means to be kicking against the pricks,’ Carter recalled. Over the years, he eventually connected with the rest of the band, and when he received the call to join them for the Bush Hall gig, it was a moment he cherished.

Carter explained that Paul Cook, the band’s drummer, had long wanted to support Bush Hall. ;Obviously, the venue has had some troubles, and like all small venues, it’s been suffering. It hasn’t had the support that it needed,’ Carter said.

The idea for the charity gig came from bassist Glen Matlock, who reached out to Carter with the proposal. Initially, Carter thought they would play a mix of songs from various bands, but when Matlock revealed they would be performing Never Mind The Bollocks in full, Carter was taken aback: “I thought: ‘Oh f***!’”

Carter has been vocal about the importance of supporting grassroots venues, especially in light of the ongoing struggles these spaces face. The year 2023 was marked as the “worst year for venue closures,” with 125 grassroots gig venues shutting down, resulting in the loss of 4,000 jobs and nearly 200,000 opportunities for musicians.

Carter emphasized the crucial role these venues play, not just for entertainment and nurturing new talent but also for maintaining strong communities.

With the announcement of these additional tour dates, fans across the UK will have the chance to experience this one-of-a-kind collaboration, while also supporting the vital cause of keeping grassroots music venues alive.

Tickets for the additional dates go on sale Friday, August 23, at 9 AM BST.