A defining force in rock since 1976, Sex Pistols mark 50 years of punk this winter with a run of U.K. and Ireland dates.
Steve Jones, Paul Cook and Glen Matlock are again teaming up with Frank Carter for what’s being billed as one of the most intense live shows in rock right now — as close to the original punk explosion as it gets.
The Anarchy In The U.K. tour hits Dublin’s 3 Arena on December 7, Edinburgh Corn Exchange on December 9, Glasgow O2 Academy on December 10, London Brixton Academy on December 18 and London Eventim Apollo on December 20.
Back in 1976, Sex Pistols ignited what became year zero for punk. Early London gigs at venues like The Marquee, The 100 Club, The Nashville and a residency at the El Paradiso strip club built their reputation before they took the chaos nationwide. By May, they were in the studio recording the first material that would form Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols.
Their June 4 appearance at Manchester’s Lesser Free Trade Hall — and a follow-up show weeks later — pushed future members of Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, The Fall and Buzzcocks to start their own bands. At September’s 100 Club Punk Special, the Sex Pistols stood at the front of a growing movement. A month later, they signed with EMI and released “Anarchy In The UK”, capturing the frustration of a generation.
Paul Cook looks back on that first year: “It was kind of like a commando raid. I don’t even think a lot of places knew we were playing there. We just turned up and set up. It was all a learning curve for us — getting out there and playing live — we were learning on the job.
“With ‘Anarchy’, I think we tapped into a feeling of unrest around the country at the time. The message was pretty simple — just have a go and get out there and do whatever you want to do. It was a new world.”
Jones, Cook and Matlock returned in 2024 with Carter on vocals, bringing fresh energy to the catalog. “We’ve had a blast. People want to come and see us play live,” says Paul. “If I must say so myself, we are a great live band!”
Throughout 2025, the band played across Australia, Japan and major European festivals, including a high-profile show at London’s Royal Albert Hall for the Teenage Cancer Trust, where Carter sparked a massive circle pit. A return to London’s 100 Club — with Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller and Bobby Gillespie in attendance — confirmed the renewed momentum.
For Steve Jones, the approach remains direct: “If it ain’t fun, I ain’t doing it. I’m too old for bullshit.”
Carter, formerly of Gallows and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, joined the lineup in 2024 during a benefit to help save London’s Bush Hall. His intensity onstage quickly earned praise and injected new urgency into the Sex Pistols set.
Tickets go on general sale on Friday, February 27 at 9 a.m.
Sex Pistols Featuring Frank Carter – “Anarchy In The U.K.” Tour 2026:
Dec. 07 – 3 Arena – Dublin
Dec. 09 – Corn Exchange – Edinburgh
Dec. 10 – O2 Academy – Glasgow
Dec. 18 – Brixton Academy – London
Dec. 20 – Eventim Apollo – London
