Sex Pistols On What Separates Frank Carter From Johnny Rotten

This April sees the Australian return of iconic English punk pioneers the Sex Pistols, who will visit the country for the first time since their Aussie debut in 1996.

However, those with keen ears (and eyes) will likely be aware of the notable absence of the group’s famed frontman Johnny Rotten (known to friends and family as John Lydon). Instead, punters will be treated to the dulcet tones of Frank Carter (of Gallows and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes fame).

As a result, the tour is billed as the Sex Pistols Featuring Frank Carter, and while contemporary reports of their live show have been overwhelmingly positive, some folks (namely Lydon himself) aren’t too keen on the whole idea of having Carter take the reins instead.

However, as guitarist Steve Jones told The Music as part of this week’s cover story, it’s not about viewing Cartet as a replacement for Lydon, but rather someone who helps to reinvent the band and their live show in an entirely different way.

“Frank definitely adds a different dynamic than John; he's got a tonne of energy, he's a lunatic,” Jones explains. “I think the great thing about Frank is that he doesn't try to imitate John, he just kind of does his own thing, and he's a real rock and roller – he likes to stir it up and get the crowd going.”

Elsewhere in the discussion, Jones also revealed how the band “didn't even ask John” to be involved, and how he hadn’t spoken to the group’s famed vocalist since the completion of their last global tour back in 2008.

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The Sex Pistols Featuring Frank Carter will be touching down in Australia in April, performing shows in Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, and Fremantle. Tickets to these shows are on sale now.