My first reaction when I read that the Sex Pistols are reuniting this fall (sans Sid Vicious, R.I.P.) for a gig celebrating their debut’s 30th anniversary was unadulterated dismay. After telling the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame to piss off just last year, were the Pistols really going to give themselves a big ol’ complacent pat on the back in exchange for a paycheck? Could anything be more antithetical to the nasty, nihilistic attitude that made them great in the first place?
Of course, as PopWatch’s Gary Susman quickly reminded me, the Pistols haven’t exactly been averse to this kind of brazen crassness before. The first time they reunited, in 1996, they called it the "Filthy Lucre Tour," and before that they participated in the 1980 film The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle, which portrayed their entire career as a hollow mercenary scam on the part of manager Malcolm McLaren. (Whether that crassness was itself a put-on is another question.) Still, something seems a little off this time around. I can only hope that John Lydon (pictured) was being sarcastic when he told the U.K.’s NME that the Pistols are reuniting because "We’re all Londoners… there would be no Sex Pistols without dear old London town" and invited "all of Britain" to "come on down" to the show. With sentiments that treacly, the erstwhile Johnny Rotten might as well be Paul McCartney! (No offense, Sir Paul, I love you too.)
That said, if I come across a spare ticket to London by November, I am so jumping on the next plane to Heathrow to catch this show. Have any of you been able to figure out whether the Pistols are joking, or what?
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I think that while the Pistols are an amazing group, their idealistic dellusions of still wanting to be anarchist are a little too forced now, which is what happened with the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. Even though they try to still be rebellious, they’re still very prone to selling out every once and a while. Nonetheless, I’m excited for their reunion.
By all means, please do the tour. I hope they sell a zillion tickets. Maybe soon after the tour he will visit a dentist for some major work-YUCK!
Why not the Sex Pistols? The Police got back together for a gig, shucks even Guns and Roses tried a short reunion tour.
Londoners, I’m jealous. Not only do you have easier access to both Amsterdam and Vespa parts, but you’ll also be able to hear “Anarchy in the UK” live one last time. Real or not, it’s cool they’d bring up the idea.
Come on, Simon, the Sex Pistols need the money too! Is there anyone who really thinks that artists make any decision without money in mind? I have seen John Lydon on the Fuse doing their version of American Idol; that should tell you everything you know. Relax and enjoy the show.
I saw the Sex Pistols at Street Scene in San Diego. I left R.E.M. mid-show to see the Sex Pistols because when would I ever see them again? What a mistake! R.E.M. were awesome and the Sex Pistols were godawful. A local TV show described their set as “The geriatric poopfest that was the Sex Pistols”. So all I can say, if the Sex Pistols come to your town, go see R.E.M. or any other band for that matter. You will be much more satisfied if you do, and you can thank me later.
Scott K: You are funny! I laughed so hard when I read your post. I agree with J Bonkers, the man needs the money ASAP!
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