The Sex Pistols rolled into Birmingham’s O2 Academy last night (21st September) with all the expected raw and rebellious energy as one would expect. It was a gig marked by nostalgia, defiance, and a sense of chaotic joy. While the absence of their iconic frontman, John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten), might have raised eyebrows at first, any doubts were quickly shattered when Frank Carter, without the aid of his Rattlesnakes, stormed onto the stage, seizing the mic like he was born for this very moment.

Before the main event, The Molotovs took to the stage to perform to the capacity audience that had congregated for this legendary performance. The Molotovs are an unsigned, young band from West London making waves with their high-energy performances and sharp punk-influenced sound. Their big break came when Paul Cook of the Sex Pistols, joined them on stage for a charity event at Bush Hall in Shepherds Bush, London. This collaboration sparked a connection, and soon after, Cook extended an invitation to the band to open for the Sex Pistols' upcoming tour at some of the sold-out venues across the UK.

Their show was a full throttle affair, from the get go, their energy was apparent as they cavorted around the stage, delivering their confident and culturally relevant music to the masses. Their set was fast-paced with little time in-between to catch your breath before the next hit was delivered. Tracks including ‘Come on Now’ and ‘Johnny Don’t Be Scared’ sounded tight and polished and left the audience gasping for more as they drew breath and tried to find their feet. If you are yet to enjoy The Molotovs, go forth and discover more about them as they are a band to keep a very close eye on.

Stepping into John Lydon's boots is no easy task, his attitude is etched into punk history, but Carter’s magnetic charisma and relentless energy not only matched the Pistols' legacy but brought something fresh to it. His unpredictable stage presence combined with a deep respect for the band's history made for a thrilling performance. He commanded the crowd like a frontman who understood the magnitude of what he was stepping into, and by the end of the night, it felt like he wasn’t just filling in—he was owning the role.

Backed by three-quarters of the original band, Paul Cook’s thunderous drumming, Glen Matlock’s gritty bass lines, and Steve Jones' incendiary guitar work, the Pistols were on top form. The band’s decision to expand their tour after successful shows in London earlier this year seemed inspired, with the Birmingham crowd more than eager to relive the fury of 1977. The setlist, filled with hits from their only studio album Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, was a powerful reminder of how this record changed everything when it was released.

It's impossible to overstate the impact of Never Mind the Bollocks back in October 1977. It didn’t just change music; it was a cultural reset. It shattered norms in politics, fashion, photography, and lit the spark for a generation of disillusioned kids who found their voice in punk’s furious message. Last night, as the band tore through tracks like "God Save the Queen" and "Pretty Vacant," it was clear that the legacy of that album still burns as bright as ever.

Frank Carter was pivotal in keeping that legacy alive, bringing a fresh urgency to classics that have been shouted by punk fans for nearly five decades. His take on "Holidays in the Sun" was particularly explosive, with the crowd responding in kind—moshing, sweating, and screaming along like it was 1977 all over again. His banter with the audience was sharp, playful, and respectful of the fact that while this might not be the original Pistols lineup, it’s the closest anyone’s going to get. John Lydon has made it abundantly clear that he won’t be reuniting with the band anytime soon, if ever. And honestly, after last night, it felt like we didn’t need him.

As the night wore on, there was a sense of anticipation building. The band held their biggest hits in reserve, teasing the crowd with classics before finally unleashing the explosive finale. When the unmistakable opening guitar lines of "Anarchy in the UK" rang out across the venue, the room erupted into a frenzy. It was the moment everyone had been waiting for, and it didn’t disappoint. The energy was electric, with fists in the air, bodies crashing into each other, and the spirit of punk rebellion alive and well. What a way to end the show.

Come the end, the Sex Pistols delivered exactly what Birmingham needed: a reminder that punk rock is about more than just music. It’s a movement, a way of life, and last night, even without Johnny Rotten, they proved they’re still at the heart of it. A triumphant, chaotic success from start to finish.

Words and Pictures by Steve Muscutt