Punk legends the Sex Pistols, featuring original members Steve Jones, Paul Cook, and Glen Matlock, have announced a limited run of four concerts in the U.K. for summer 2026. These shows will mark the 50th anniversary of their first single, “Anarchy in the U.K.”.
Leading the band on vocals will be Frank Carter, best known for his work with the Rattlesnakes. John Lydon — aka Johnny Rotten — will not be part of these performances, continuing his long-standing refusal to rejoin the Pistols for recent reunions.
The tour dates are:
- July 11, 2026 — Piece Hall, Halifax (with The Undertones & Panic Shack)
- July 12, 2026 — Castlefield Bowl, Manchester (with Dr. John Cooper Clarke)
- August 1, 2026 — Cardiff Castle (with The Stranglers, The Undertones & Panic Shack)
- August 2, 2026 — Scarborough Open Air Theatre (with The Stranglers & The Undertones)
What They’re Saying
Original guitarist Steve Jones didn’t mince words in the announcement: “If it ain’t fun, I ain’t doing it. I’m too old for bullshit,” he said.
For Carter, the 2026 run holds real meaning. The dates align with a half-century since the Pistols first carved out their radical, no-compromise place in punk history.
Why John Lydon Isn’t Involved
Lydon has made clear he’ll never rejoin the band for these kinds of shows. He’s previously criticized the Carter-fronted era of the Pistols, saying it lacks the original fire and identity that made them iconic.
A Legacy Revisited
The original lineup (minus Lydon) reformed in 2024 with Carter, sparking renewed interest in the Pistols’ legacy. Their setlists often revisit Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, as well as classic pre-breakup tracks.
Tickets & Support
General ticket sales for the 2026 shows go live November 28, 2025. Supporting acts include The Undertones for all dates, Dr. John Cooper Clarke in Manchester, Panic Shack in Halifax and Cardiff, and The Stranglers in Cardiff and Scarborough.
