The Sex Pistols feat Frank Carter – Live at O2 Forum Kentish Town

Words – Kahmel Farahani

Photos – Various (Andrew Ellis, Nik Reynolds, Sophie Jones and Jason Millerca)

“We may be a punk band, but we’re a punk band who cares” says a smiling Frank Carter as the band tune up before the ferocious rendition of Liar.

The last few months have been some exciting times for Sex Pistols fans all over the UK. With the band coming back to life with a new frontman and big resurgence with a whole new generation of fans, The Pistols have been on the road around the UK for the last few weeks. Tonight, as the crowds snake around the block and down the street,  The Sex Pistols bring their sold out tour to a close at London’s Kentish Town Forum.

As the band walk on stage to massive roars of approval and dive right into Holiday In The Sun, every drink in the standing area goes flying and so do more than a few people in the pit. While Steve Jones, Glen Matlock and Paul Cook may be a bit older and wiser than last time, they have lost absolutely none of their energy and charm on stage.

“I want to hear every single one of you singing along to this one” says Carter smiling, “My mum’s up there, and I want you all to impress her with your singing”. The Sex Pistols launch into the absolute gem of a deep cut, “Silly Thing”. Straight ahead, big chunky riffs and brilliantly acidic lyrics, it’s the definition of pure rock and roll.

An extended version of Satellite sees Frank Carter diving into the crowd, taking centre place in the mosh and then climbing the Forum’s side stairs before jumping off into the warm embrace of the crowd waiting to catch him. The Sex Pistols have found nothing short of the perfect frontman in Carter. With a seemingly endless supply of energy, enthusiasm and downright fearless attitude, Carter delivers these iconic songs flawlessly, and without being a copy of anyone.

It may be controversial to some of the more old schools punks in the house, but The Sex Pistols arguably sound better in 2024 than they ever have before. With their now mythical 70s gigs often being run through the worst PA systems and whatever stage gear to hand, the result was often a sonic mess. Tonight’s gig retains all of the feral energy while also having the benefit of being able to hear the music.

“I’m not paid enough for that – fucking hell!” says a grinning Carter as he climbs back on stage before the Pistols kick into their cover of The Stooges classic No Fun. Carter introduces the band, with the biggest cheer of them all going to “the man, the myth, the legend, Mr Steve Jones!”. The fact that Jones just turned 69 less than a month ago seems surreal.

As the band return for their encore, Jones and Matlock take a seat on the stage while Carter croons the first verse of the Sinatra classic My Way. It’s a joy to hear this one live and the anticipation spills over as the band kick into the fully punk version of the song. Ending with Anarchy In The UK, the last bit of energy left in the room is being sweated out as fans in the pit go surfing head over heel to the barriers at the front. It’s the perfect end to a perfect gig. As the band take their bow and Steve Jones brings out a whole bag of guitar picks to give to the crowd, it’s comforting to know that authentic punk, rock and roll and live music is far from dead. Long live The Sex Pistols and frank Carter.