Live Review: Sex Pistols ft. Frank Carter Live in Sydney

Photos by Sergio Martin ©Spotlight Report
Punk rock and pink tutus – here’s the Sex Pistols ft Frank Carter!

There was a surreal moment early last night at the Hordern Pavilion where a little girl was in the middle of the dance floor, spinning around in her light up trainers, giant ear defenders, pink top and tutu. Her mum and dad stood watching her as they waited for the first band of the night to hit the stage. And that wasn’t the Wiggles. That was Civic followed by the legendary Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter. This baby punk rocker was not the only one in a tutu! Taking a page straight out of the book of punk couture, came those wearing tight jeans and bovver boots, there was a smattering of cherry red Doc Martens and an actual kilt. A kilt the likes of which Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood would have dearly appreciated.

Melbourne based Civic opened with song Dogs, which had a distinct indie rock sound. Lead singer Jim McCullough bringing a 90’s vibe with a bucket hat and retro Adidas jacket, leaning into the mic to say ‘We’re Civic. Thanks for coming down early, you fu&king legends.’ And just like that, the night began. With the vision to ‘do good rock and roll and not to stuff about with it’ the sound got progressively harder throughout the set. Rolling through hits like New Vietnam and Taken by Force, they also played material from their new album, Chrome Dipped giving the crowd a really good range of their work. This was Civic’s largest gig to date – thank you Sex Pistols, its sure not to be their last.

The Sex Pistols dedicated their set to Blondie’s Clem Burke who had sadly passed the day before. A friend of the band who had only been with us in Australia the year before, performing with the great Debbie Harry at Pandemonium Festival. Vale, Clem.

The impact the Sex Pistols had on society, art and music was huge and arguably unparalleled. Love them or hate them, you knew them – and they achieved this cultural phenomenon in under three years. With this in mind, you have to ask yourself, who is crazy enough to carry the weight of this legacy?

When you see Frank Carter take to the stage with Steve Jones, Glen Matlock and Paul Cook you realise quickly that he is the only person you want to stand in the shoes of John Lydon.. or perhaps could. Understanding why this works is a little harder, but it could be down to the authenticity of Carter as a performer – he is undeniably and unapologetically himself and isn’t that what punk is?

Now Sydney was a tough crowd last night! The energy felt a little low and people failed to follow instruction! ‘Come on Sydney! Pick up the pace will yah?’. After Jones noted ‘they seemed a little more into it in Adelaide!’ Frank jumped into the crowd to force a circle pit himself, shouting ‘These guys might have invented punk, but no one does a circle pit like me!’ and he ain’t wrong. A masterclass commenced and the crowd were off, with Carter singing somewhere in the middle, nowhere to be seen… but the crowd knew what he wanted, and he was ceremoniously lifted up high into the air for all to see. Classic Frank!

Talking about classics, is there anything on Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols that isn’t one? Flying through the hits from Holiday in the Sun, to Pretty Vacant, God Save the Queen and My Way – there was only one thing left to seal the deal – Anarchy in the UK. Going off, the crowd went wild, keys to their Prados in one pocket, keys to the Mosman 3 bedder in the other.

So ok, yes times have changed but punk is forever!!