The tunes came thick and fast at the sold-out Forum last night where a mixture of old punks, iGeneration and everything in-between gathered to witness this celebration of a classic punk album.
‘Holidays in the Sun’ saw Frank Carter leap like a leopard into action devouring the night’s opener before launching into ‘Seventeen’. The start had been delayed by 30 minutes due to a ‘medical emergency’ the speaker system informed us prompting Carter to later state "I wanted to kill it tonight, but not like that".
This Frank Carter and the Sex Pistols gig originally evolved from the Save Bush Hall Campaign. A benefit show initiated to preserve the wonderful independent west London venue which, like many, had been struggling financially. The incredible demand for tickets, inevitably led to this tour.
The inspired collaboration between punk icon Frank Carter and the legendary Sex Pistols became an instant sell-out even without Johnny Rotten and for good reason.
Glen Matlock, the original bassist and Never Mind The Bollocks co-writer, along with Paul Cook on drums, provided the perfect rhythm section for this iconic sound. Steve Jones, in Union Jack t-shirt, could always knock out a tune, but what's more impressive is the quality of the music. These songs are immense and continue to inspire a new generation almost 50 years on. ‘Bodies’ was a personal favourite (see video below). While Carter didn’t try to imitate Rotten, he stayed true to the originals adding his own raw intensity in a set which felt completely natural.
‘Pretty Vacant’, ‘God Save the Queen’ and recent addition ‘Silly Thing’ were all highlights in a set of highlights. Matlock and Jones leaning on each other back-to-back clearly relishing the moment.
Crowd interaction was key, often crowd-surfing the former Gallows frontman has always embodied the punk spirit. Pushed on by Jones to go that little bit further Carter wants to impress, and he does. His balcony stairs jump into the crowd during ‘Satellite’, was one of the more notable moments, see video below.
No led visuals or massive stage production needed here tonight, minimal lighting with the familiar pink and yellow from the classic ‘Never Mind The Bollocks’ cover art was all that was needed in this high-energy no-frills performance. These songs stand up perfectly on their own.
Carter looked like he was born for this moment, one I'm sure he won't forget. His version of ‘My Way’ and the closer ‘Anarchy in the U.K.’ (see video below) simply sublime.
A rare chance to watch one of the greatest albums of all time live. I'm not sure if the Pistols have got a new singer or Carter has a new backing band. A born frontman, Carter was undoubtedly the perfect choice to inject energy and put that modern twist on these old punk anthems. I loved it!
Setlist Holidays in the Sun Seventeen New York Pretty Vacant Bodies Silly Thing Liar God Save the Queen Submission Satellite No Feelings No Fun (The Stooges cover) Problems E.M.I.
Encore: My Way (Claude François cover) Anarchy in the U.K.
