Well, well, well! If you had told me I’d be rocking out to the Sex Pistols in 2025, I would’ve asked if you’d just emerged from a time machine—or maybe a mosh pit full of nostalgia! But here we are, three original members—Glen Matlock, Paul Cook, and Steve Jones—taking us back to the chaotic glory days of punk with their legendary album *Never Mind the Bollocks*. And surprise, surprise, they brought along Frank Carter as their new frontman.
Now, let’s talk about Civic, the band that opened the show. If you were expecting a gentle warm-up act, think again! These guys came out swinging harder than my grandma at bingo night. Jim McCullough was on a mission to make sure we all felt like we’d been hit by a sonic freight train—loud and unapologetic.
And then came Frank. Oh boy! Forget what Johnny Rotten said about them being a karaoke band; Frank breathed life into those classic tracks like he was channeling punk rock spirits from 1977. He was so engaging that I half-expected him to invite me on stage for a duet. The friendly mosh pit felt more like a gathering of old friends than a gladiatorial arena, which was great for some of the more “seasoned” punks
Watching Frank leap into the crowd was like witnessing an over-caffeinated kangaroo trying to crowd-surf.The sheer energy was infectious; it felt less like a concert and more like an unrestrained celebration of everything to love about punk.
The setlist was pure gold. “No Fun,” “God Save The Queen,” and “EMI” had everyone singing along so passionately.
One of the highlights was when Frank introduced each band member, giving them their moment in the spotlight, and showing the deep respect he has for this band. It felt less like a concert and more like a family reunion where everyone just happened to be incredibly talented musicians. And when he called for silence to perform his favorite punk song “No Feelings,” I think I heard my heart shatter along with his—what a beautifully chaotic serenade!
Then came the encore—a glorious moment when Frank asked us to light up our phones, creating an atmosphere so beautiful that it felt more like a fairy tale than a punk rock concert. Seriously, who knew punks could be romantic? And just when you thought it couldn’t get better, they capped off the night with “Anarchy In The U.K.”—a song that literally had the questioning my own life choices while making them want to rip the venue apart
Brisbane, you may have just started a new punk rock revolution and reminded the world why we love music so much. And the live experience. Brisbane, you were the best while you witnessed one of the best with the Frank Carter fronted Sex Pistols.
SET LIST
God Save The Queen (Symphony)
Holidays In The Sun
Seventeen
New York
Pretty Vacant
Bodies
Silly Thing
Liar
God Save The Queen
No Fun
Satellite
No Feelings
E.M.I.
My Way
Anarchy In The U.K.
