FRANK CARTER AND PAUL COOK, STEVE JONES, GLEN MATLOCK OF THE SEX PISTOLS
BIRMINGHAM O2
The house lights dimmed as a symphonic (and the Jonseys Jukebox theme tune) ‘God Save The Queen’ ushered three original Pistols and singer Frank (The Gallows/Rattlesnakes) Carter to the O2 stage. The rammed floor area held its collective breath as the opening notes of ‘Holidays In the Sun’ reverberated across the bobbing heads of the expectant crowd. Pogoing, singing, and beers getting lobbed all swiftly ensued. ‘Seventeen’ and ‘New York’ get sung word for word before the iconic riff of ‘Pretty Vacant’ envelops the now enthralled and up-for-it throng. Frank Carter delivers these punk nuggets with passionate pride, and thankfully, he avoids becoming a Lydon clone, singing the songs in his style and with unrestrained yet respectful gusto.
‘Bodies’ remains a firebomb firestarter, as do ‘Silly Thing’ and a breakneck ‘Liar’. The “no future” chorus to ‘God Save The Queen’ shakes the O2 foundations before ‘Submission’ and ‘Satellite’ provide a slight energy reprieve even though “Frankie Baby” joins the dancefloor and tries to get a circle pit going. A spat-out ‘No Feelings’ is followed by Iggy’s ‘No Fun’ (plus a “two bob c*nt” chorus from SJ) and a cheek slapping ‘EMI’. There’s a moment towards the end of the set when Frank Carter and Steve Jones embrace, and you can see and feel the mutual appreciation. The encore of a strangely emotive ‘My Way’ (“from one Frank to another”) and the majestic chugging power of ‘Anarchy In The UK’ complete an hour of pure celebration, gratitude and love for the music of (IMHO) our greatest ever Punk band, The Sex Pistols.