by Glen Matlock recently shared his thoughts on the Sex Pistols’ new lineup featuring Frank Carter as vocalist. He offered praise for the current iteration while making pointed remarks about the band’s past, as reported by Guitar World.
The bassist expressed enthusiasm about the band’s current creative direction and Carter’s contribution to their sound.
“What we’re making now is a glorious racket. We’re not trying to relive those songs, but we’re playing those songs in the spirit that they were kind of written musically,” Matlock said. “Frank brings his own thing to the band, which is joyous. He respects the songs and the sentiments behind them, and he sings them in his own way.”
Matlock also highlighted the positive atmosphere Carter brings to the band’s performances.
“Frank gets it. He’s not a po-faced, miserable git. He’s got a sense of humor,” he continued. “He’s got a twinkle in his eye, you know? You’re playing away, and he’ll come up to you in the middle of Steve doing a guitar solo, and he’ll pull sort of a funny face and make you laugh. That didn’t always happen before, so it’s kind of cool.”
The comments suggest a marked contrast between the current lineup’s dynamic and previous iterations of the band.
Matlock’s enthusiasm for the current lineup reflects broader critical reception of Carter’s addition to the legendary punk band. The collaboration has generated significant attention within the music industry and among fans who have witnessed the band’s evolution over nearly five decades.
Critics have embraced Carter’s energetic approach to the Sex Pistols’ catalog. Exit Festival reported that Carter brings “a new burst of energy and charisma for this legendary punk band.” His “wired, muscular” stage presence and “wide-eyed intensity” contrast sharply with Johnny Rotten’s more mocking delivery style.
The current touring lineup features Carter alongside original members Paul Cook, Steve Jones, and Glen Matlock. Universal Music Canada confirmed that the band is performing their classic 1977 album Never Mind the Bollocks in full during their global tour. Upcoming North American dates are scheduled for 2025, marking their first U.S. tour since 2003.
The addition of Carter was not intended as a replacement strategy but rather as a creative catalyst. Mojo noted that Carter’s involvement was designed “to shake up the world.” The publication observed that the band now performs with a sense of freedom they had lacked for decades.
The renewed energy has translated into live performances that capture both the original spirit of the Sex Pistols while introducing fresh dynamics. This approach allows the band to honor their legacy while moving forward creatively. Matlock’s comments clearly reflect this sentiment in his praise for Carter’s respectful yet innovative interpretation of their classic material.
