Words by James Lavel
Photography by Tam Schilling | @tamcamimages_ – FULL GALLERY HERE
Not a gig I ever thought I would attend, last night the one and only Sex Pistols joined by the amazing Frank Carter played Brisbane. It’s been 24 years since Glen Matlock, Steve Jones and Paul Cook have been on stage together in Australia. Formed in 1975, Sex Pistols are one of the most iconic punk bands of our generation. A band that existed for 2 1/2 years but left a mark on the scene that has never been removed. Love them or hate them their influence can’t be denied. Pulling in Frank Carter (Gallows, Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes) was a perfect fit to match the anger and intensity of John Lyndon (Johnny Rotten).
The Fortitude Music Hall was buzzing with the young and old all relishing the opportunity to see Sex Pistols.
Starting the night was Melbourne’s CIVIC. Fuzzy bass washed the workday off the eager crowd as the band took the stage. Washy guitar tones and lengthy ranting lyrics rounded out their first track. Plenty of energy from singer Jim McCullough, kept the vibe on point. Their third track injected some movement in the crowd. Catchy riffs and a great vocal performance through this one. Perhaps a stylistic choice but the overall mix sounded very washy and buried some of the rad riffs and vocals underneath. The fourth track was on brand kicking some quick straightforward punk rock tunes. The crowd started moving for this one. They kept the momentum though the next track. Call Me Doctor was the next track called out from Jim, a cool track with a nice groove and plenty of energy. They kept up the same feelings with the next few tracks, keeping the room warm as it started to fill.
A noticeably older crowd now packing out the venue, the dark stage welcomes Glen Matlock, Steve Jones and Paul Cook to an eruption form the crowd. Frank marches out and takes the mic as Holiday In The Sun begins. Closing your eyes, you are transported back to 1975. As suspected Frank Carter was a perfect fit for the Sex Pistols. Matlock, Jones and Cook all moving with a ton of energy, had their hooks into the room from the first note. They played Seventeen and New York to a room singing every word. Frank takes a moment to say hello and sing his praises for Australia and how ‘different’ Brisbane is before playing Pretty Vacant. Frank being Frank is straight into the crowd after this track, mic stand and all. He calls for circle pits and crowd surfing and is obliged. From side of stage, I could hear but not see Frank until he appeared above the crowd with his mic and mic stand standing on the hands below him. He disappears again while bantering with the crowd “there’s not enough room in here for me ego”. They play Bodies next, Steve Jones guitar tone is warm and aggressive, capturing the edge and bite. He is locked in with Matlock and Cook who don’t miss a beat. The entire band sounded fantastic, a pitch perfect sonic onslaught. They were tight and powerful, and they were up there having a genuinely good time with each other. It was cool to experience. Frank eventually battled his way back to the stage after Silly Thing in time for Liar.
We were all here to see the three original members of this iconic band, but Frank really tied it all together. Imagine a Johnny Rotten that could, you know, sing. I honestly don’t think this band has ever sounded better.
The band call for a crowd response and are met with screams and whistles. They then play God Save The Queen before they jump into No Fun (Iggy And The Stooges). Frank was clearly having a ball and was very clearly chuffed to be filling that space. He takes another moment to recognise the legends he has the pleasure of sharing the stage with. John, Steve, and Paul each take a moment to make some noise while Frank stands side of stage watching his peers like a schoolboy.
“Right, you ready?” Frank calls as he returns to the mic: “This one is dedicated to fucking, me!” They play Satellite. Frank holding his mic stand behind his back and unbuttoning his shirt while he performed had plenty of collars sweaty, I distinctly recall hearing “what a hunk” on multiple occasions. “Are you getting tired!? Pick it up let’s go!”
No Feelings followed by Problems kept the sing-along in full swing. The room had such a great vibe the whole evening. They play their ‘last’ track E.M.I before their exit from stage. When they inevitably returned, Steve and John join Paul sitting on the front of his drum riser. The charismatic Frank Carter returns to the mic and begins singing My Way. It’s not long before they both stand up and inject some Sex Pistols attitude into the song. As the night came to a close, we all knew what the last song had to be, and alas those tell-tale strums of Anarchy In The UK ring out across the room. The sing-along was in no way over as Frank shared the chorus with the crowd in a back and forward chant.
Before they leave, the band stand front of stage and take a well-deserved bow; Steve throws picks to fans and they all take a moment to appreciate the people that have come to see them. Professionalism through and through.
Thanks to Live Nation Australia + Revolutions Per Minute
