The Sex Pistols are embarking on a series of UK and Ireland shows this December, marking five decades of punk rock and celebrating the 50th anniversary of their seminal track, “Anarchy in the U.K.” The tour, featuring vocalist Frank Carter, will hit Dublin, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London, offering a chance for fans to experience the band’s iconic music live.
The December run will see original members guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook, and bassist Glen Matlock take the stage alongside Carter, who joined the band in 2024. This iteration of the Sex Pistols initially formed to raise funds for London’s Bush Hall venue, and has since expanded to include a series of performances commemorating their legacy.
The tour kicks off on at Dublin’s 3 Arena, followed by a performance at Edinburgh’s Corn Exchange on , and Glasgow’s O2 Academy on . The tour culminates with two dates in London: at O2 Academy Brixton and at the Eventim Apollo.
The announcement arrives amidst a complex history for the band, particularly regarding the involvement of founding frontman John Lydon, also known as Johnny Rotten. Lydon has repeatedly stated his refusal to rejoin the Sex Pistols, dismissing the current lineup with Frank Carter as “karaoke” and expressing concern that the band’s essence is being lost without his presence. He voiced his initial displeasure when the tour was first announced without him in 2025, stating it “pissed me off” and “annoyed me.”
Despite Lydon’s objections, the reunited lineup – without him – has been performing the band’s only studio album, 1977’s Never Mind the Bollocks Here’s the Sex Pistols, alongside other pre-1978 tracks. The band had originally planned a North American tour in September, but it was canceled after guitarist Steve Jones broke his wrist, with rescheduled dates yet to be announced.
The Sex Pistols’ impact on music and culture is undeniable. Emerging in the mid-1970s, they became synonymous with the punk movement, challenging societal norms with provocative lyrics and a rebellious attitude. Songs like “God Save The Queen” and “Anarchy in the U.K.” became anthems of dissent, reflecting a period of unrest and questioning of the established order.
The band’s initial run was relatively short-lived, disbanding in 1978, but their influence has continued to resonate through generations of musicians. They have reunited sporadically over the years – in 1996, 2002, and 2007 – but Lydon’s continued absence casts a shadow over the current iteration.
Interestingly, the current tour coincides with a separate series of summer 2026 UK shows announced in November 2025, also featuring Frank Carter, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of “Anarchy in the U.K.” Those dates include performances in Halifax, Manchester, Cardiff, and Scarborough. The Halifax show on will be supported by The Undertones and Panic Shack, while Dr. John Cooper Clarke will warm up the crowd in Manchester on . The Cardiff date on will feature The Stranglers, The Undertones, and Panic Shack, and Scarborough on will see The Stranglers and The Undertones take the support slots.
Tickets for the December tour go on general sale this Friday, , at 10 a.m. The band’s decision to tour without Lydon, while controversial, underscores their determination to keep the music alive and connect with audiences who continue to be inspired by their rebellious spirit. The upcoming shows promise a potent blend of nostalgia and new energy, as the Sex Pistols, with Frank Carter at the helm, revisit their legacy and reaffirm their place in rock history.
Drummer Paul Cook reflected on the band’s early days, describing their initial performances as “kind of like a commando raid,” emphasizing the raw, spontaneous energy that defined their early shows. He noted that many venues weren’t even aware they were scheduled to play, highlighting the band’s unconventional approach to touring and promotion.
