by Yungblud recently shared his thoughts on Frank Carter’s role as the new Sex Pistols frontman, praising his approach to replacing the legendary John Lydon in an interview with Lipps Service.
When asked to name his top 5 albums he can’t live without, the British rocker highlighted the Sex Pistols’ iconic debut. He discussed how Carter has brought fresh energy to the band.
“Number one is [Sex Pistol’s] ‘Never Mind the Bollocks.’ I think I found such a mad identity with that album. The wit within it, my favorite artist Jamie Reed, designed the cover, what it meant to British culture, the poetry and the guitar playing was just unreal,” Yungblud said.
He then turned his attention to Frank Carter’s performance as the band’s new vocalist. He explained why the approach works.
“And I think Frank, at the minute, is killing it. Frank Carter definitely. Because he brought a new energy to it, you know. I think when you’re trying to replace John Lydon, who arguably again is one of the greatest f*cking rock and roll frontmen of all time, whether you like it or not, you know what I mean? You can’t try and be John. You will never be John,” he continued.
“And what Frank did was he kind of brought this, I don’t know, probably like this new found aggression to it that like it’s less witty but it makes me want to f*cking jump. And I love that. You know what I mean? And Frankie knows exactly what he’s doing. I saw them at the Albert Hall and it was iconic. It was amazing.”
Yungblud’s praise comes as Frank Carter’s collaboration with the Sex Pistols continues to generate both excitement and controversy in the rock world.
Wikipedia noted that Frank Carter, known for his work with Gallows and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, joined the Sex Pistols in 2024 as their new lead vocalist. Carter now performs alongside original members Steve Jones on guitar, Paul Cook on drums, and Glen Matlock on bass, bringing his signature aggressive energy to the punk legends’ catalog.
The band has been actively touring with their new lineup. The Standard reported that the Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter performed at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the Teenage Cancer Trust concert series, the same performance Yungblud referenced in his comments. Critics praised Carter’s energetic stage presence and the band’s revitalized performances. The collaboration has been well-received.
However, the reunion has not been without controversy. Louder Sound revealed that John Lydon, the original frontman, has expressed strong disapproval of the reunion. He called it “karaoke” and maintained that only he is the true Johnny Rotten. The tension between Lydon and the other band members stems from past conflicts and legal disputes that have persisted over the years.
Despite the controversy, the Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter have continued their touring schedule. The Rock Revival indicated that the band has embarked on several tours, including UK dates and performances at major festivals like Download Festival and Hellfest. Some 2025 tour dates have been postponed. Carter’s involvement has marked a new chapter for the band, bringing punk rock to a new generation while honoring the legacy of one of the genre’s most influential acts.
