Frank Carter and the Sex Pistols' Paul Cook, Glen Matlock and Steve Jones will perform their iconic album 'Never Mind the Bitch' in its entirety in a bid to save legendary London music venue Bush Hall.
The 40-year-old Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes frontman will take over as lead singer for two fundraising shows on August 13th and 14th, replacing 68-year-old singer Johnny Rotten/John Lydon, who is not on good terms with his former bandmates.
Proceeds from tickets to the 1977 punk rock landmark record show will go towards preserving the independent venue.
Tickets go on sale this Wednesday (05.06.24) at www.livenation.co.uk/artist-frank-carter-and-sex-pistols-1501314 .
Drummer Paul, 67, and guitarist Steve, 68, grew up watching concerts at the venue, while Frank played his debut gig with his former group Pure Love at Bush Hall in 2012.
Frank and Steve became friends when Frank was interviewed on Steve's radio show in 2008.
Frank said: “It was fun from start to finish. When the Sex Pistols call, we answer. We're very excited to be a part of it.”
Paul commented: “I'm doing a benefit concert for Bush Hall with the famous Frank Carter. We'll be playing Pistols songs. They need support and funds and I thought this concert would be the perfect way to help save the hall from closure. It's my local venue – I grew up in Shepherd's Bush and still live around there. It would be a real shame to see it go and we want to keep it going, so please come to the concert!”
“If everything goes wrong, it's Paul's fault,” Steve quipped.
Bassist Glen Matlock, 67, added: “I tend to agree with Steve.
“Small music venues are the lifeblood of new music. These intimate spaces are where raw talent has a chance to shine, where bands can really connect with their audiences, and where the spirit of live music truly thrives. So we need to keep these places alive.”
Last year, Bush Hall saw a 24.5 percent drop in live music bookings.
The funds raised will be used to “improve internal facilities and support emerging artists through a revitalisation of the Bush Hall Presents programme”.
Isle of Wight Festival promoter John Giddings said: “Without treasured music venues like Bush Hall, we wouldn't have the headliners we have today. Bush Hall is where artists gain experience and hone their craft. It's vital that venues like this continue to exist if the music industry is to thrive and evolve – this is non-negotiable. We'd like to thank The Sex Pistols and Frank Carter for collaborating with us – it's sure to be a fantastic night.”