MUSIC megastars are clubbing together in an effort to save iconic London music venue Bush Hall – with one legendary band reuniting for new shows.
However, they will be replacing their lead singer after a decades-long bitter falling out with him.
Sex Pistols, who shot to fame with their front man John “Johnny Rotten” Lydon, will perform their 1977 album Never Mind The B*****ks in full.
The album was a chart-topper when it was originally released, and is credited as one of the greatest albums of all time, triggering the UK punk movement of the era.
However, while Paul Cook (drummer), Glen Matlock (bassist) and Steve Jones (guitarist) are all returning, Frank Carter will replace Lydon.
Their other former bassist, Sid Vicious, died in 1979 from an overdose.
Lydon has famously cut ties with the rest of the band, and since had numerous legal issues with his former bandmates.
This includes a failed attempt in the High Court to stop the group using Sex Pistols music without his permission when their story was turned into a six-part series, Pistol, on Disney+ in 2022.
Sex Pistols are going forward with the shows in order to support Bush Hall, after they used to go there as punters themselves.
Bush Hall is famed for being a grassroots venue, and was home to the first shows of some of the biggest music acts in the world.
Over the years, this has included REM, Amy Winehouse, Florence & The Machine, Adele and The Killers among others.
Paul Cook explained: “We’re going to be playing Pistols numbers cause they need support and they need the money. We thought it would be a great way to stop it going under.
“This is my local venue. I grew up in Shepherd’s Bush and I still live round here. It would be a real shame to see it disappear and we want to keep it going. So everyone get down to the gig!”
Steve Jones, who wrote about his experiences in the band in 2009 book Lonely Boy: Tales From A Sex Pistol, joked: “If it all goes wrong, it’s Paul’s f***ing fault.”
While Glen Matlock said: “I tend to agree with Steve.”
“Smaller music venues are the lifeblood of new music,” he added. “It’s in these intimate spaces that raw talent gets a chance to shine, where bands can really connect with their audiences, and where the spirit of live music truly comes alive so we need to keep them going.”
The venue is close to the heart of Frank Turner too, who played there in 2012 with his former band, Pure Love.
Frank Carter said of the upcoming gigs: “This has been a joy from start to finish. When the Sex Pistols call, you answer. I’m very excited to be a part of it.”
The shows will take place on Tuesday 13 August and Wednesday 14 August 2024.
Tickets on sale Wednesday 5 June HERE.
Money raised from ticket sales will help secure Bush Hall’s musical future, allowing the venue team to focus on bettering in-house facilities, and supporting emerging artists through reigniting their Bush Hall Presents’ programming.
