The Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter at the Royal Albert Hall
It’s ironic to see anti-monarchist punk legends Sex Pistols playing at the Royal Albert Hall. Indeed, during the set, it’s revealed to be guitarist Steve Jones’s first time in the building. The novelty serves a valuable purpose, however, as the latest in a series of shows presented by Teenage Cancer Trust, which have so far raised £34 million. Tonight, the Pistols support the cause with a rendition of their seminal and only studio album: Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols.
The band split with Johnny Rotten in 2022 after the former frontman tried to block licensing music for Disney’s Pistol documentary series. Last year, Frank Carter took the helm, making his mark during a small string of gigs. It’s easy to see why he was picked – Carter is a major figure in the UK punk scene, having fronted Gallows, Pure Love and most recently Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes. The energy in the hall this evening is enough to signal that he’s a very welcome addition indeed.
As Holidays in the Sun thunders through the venue, beer cups are launched into the air while Carter rallies the crowd up front. A generous standing area has been cleared, allowing plenty of room for loyal fans to express their appreciation. Glen Matlock on bass guitar plays in lockstep with drummer Paul Cook, laying down a tight rhythm. Roaring, fuzzy guitar riffs from Steve Jones are greeted by frantic appreciation, a strong statement to open the show.
Bodies sees Carter throwing all of his weight behind the relentless lyrical refrain: “Body, I’m not an animal.” It’s impressive that his vocal chords don’t fry on the spot with the amount of force he generates. This proves too much for some fans to resist, as some attempt to scale the seated area, darting around security to join the fray.
The chaos doesn’t stop here. Carter makes his wishes clear during Liar as he shouts: “I want to see the biggest circle pit in the Royal Albert Hall, now and forever.” The venue stretches to its functional limits, as Carter dives into a vortex of beer-soaked punks. Admirably, he manages to continue belting out lyrics as he’s lifted to stand on the crowd’s shoulders.
Considering the UK’s current political discontent, the enduring popularity of punk rock is a vital expression of this frustration. Tonight, Carter remarks that he’s happy to see some young faces in the crowd, alongside the day-one fans. With an increasing inter-generational divide born of rapidly degrading living standards, spaces like this could be important meeting grounds to explore this, while encouraging a dialogue. A loud one, at that.
Ben Browning
Photos: John Stead
For further information and future events visit The Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter’s website here.
Watch the video for the single God Save the Queen Revisited here:
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube
RSS