John Lydon Calls Out Sex Pistols’ New Frontman: “You’re Not Johnny Rotten, I Am”

John Lydon firmly asserts his identity as the true Johnny Rotten, criticizing the Sex Pistols' comeback with Frank Carter as frontman.

John Lydon Stands Ground Against Sex Pistols' New Lineup

John Lydon, famously known as Johnny Rotten, hasn’t held back his feelings about the Sex Pistols' recent revival. With Frank Carter stepping in as the band’s new frontman, Lydon bluntly told him, “Come on, Mr Carter, you’re not Johnny Rotten, I am.”

This sharp comment comes following last year’s reunion of the punk legends, where Carter from bands like Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes and Gallows replaced Lydon as the voice of the iconic Sex Pistols.

The Sex Pistols' Return and Current Tour

The band started their fresh chapter with intimate gigs at Bush Hall in London before hitting the road for an autumn UK tour. Their comeback also featured an electrifying performance at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the prestigious Teenage Cancer Trust concert series.

While the original frontman embraced his role in the band during their heyday, Lydon has been vocal about his disapproval of the current lineup’s direction. He previously described their reunion as “almost malicious in its intent” and likened it to “karaoke.”

Lydon's Take on the New Frontman, Frank Carter

Ahead of the Sex Pistols’ upcoming performance at this year's Download Festival and their North American tour, Lydon doubled down on his criticism. Speaking to Classic Rock, he remarked:

“It’s weird. [It’s] a dumbing down of all the integrity, intensity, genuine honesty and heartfelt emotions I put into that band.” – John Lydon

He further told Carter to stop pretending to be him, emphasizing his own authenticity as the original Johnny Rotten. However, to give credit where it’s due, Lydon admitted, “I actually think he took it on in the right spirit.”

Ongoing Tensions and History Between Lydon and the Band

Lydon’s criticisms are not new. Just last month, he declared he would “never” rejoin the Sex Pistols and called the current band “childish.” He lamented:

“They’ve killed the content, or done their best to, and turned the whole thing into a rubbish, childishness, and that’s unacceptable. Sorry, I’m not going to give a helping hand to this any longer, as far as I am concerned, I am the Pistols, and they’re not.”

He also expressed sympathy for Frank Carter, wondering if the new frontman fully understands the magnitude of stepping into such legendary shoes.

Band Dynamics: Steve Jones Weighs In

Guitarist Steve Jones weighed in on the strained relationships, stating it wasn’t “worth asking” Lydon to join the reunion shows. Jones disclosed that he and Lydon hadn’t spoken in 17 years, highlighting the long-standing rift between the two.

Lydon originally left the Sex Pistols in 1978 but had a couple of reunion tours in the mid-1990s and early 2000s. Conflicts arose over political differences and legal battles, notably around the 2022 biopic series Pistol, directed by Danny Boyle.

A Look Back & Forward: The Band and Lydon’s Current Work

Steve Jones shared that despite initial fears, the public didn’t react negatively to Frank Carter’s inclusion, making it an easier transition for the band.

“I was ready to throw it in, touring and all that. I couldn’t care less. But with Frank, it just made it easy. We all get along. You think you’re gonna get a negative thing by doing [it without Lydon], but I’m surprised. There was no backlash whatsoever.” – Steve Jones

Here’s a throwback clip of the Sex Pistols rocking the 100 Club in London almost 50 years after their last visit:

What’s Next for Johnny Rotten and the Sex Pistols?

While the Sex Pistols gear up for more live shows this summer, John Lydon is busy preparing for Public Image Ltd’s ‘This Is Not The Last Tour’. He’s also been working on some fresh, “raucous” new music with PiL.

You can find tickets for the Sex Pistols’ UK shows and international dates, as well as PiL performances, through various official ticket outlets.

Did John Lydon's words hit the nail on the head, or is there room for a new era of the Sex Pistols? What do you think about the band's legacy with Frank Carter fronting?

Frequently Asked Questions

• What did John Lydon say about Frank Carter as the new Sex Pistols frontman?
  Lydon told Carter, “You’re not Johnny Rotten, I am,” criticizing the band’s new direction but praised Carter’s attitude in taking on the role.
• Has John Lydon performed with the Sex Pistols recently?
  No, Lydon left the band in 1978 and declined to join their recent reunion tours.
• Why is there tension between Lydon and the Sex Pistols?
  Differences over the band’s legacy, political views, and legal disputes, especially regarding the Pistol mini-series, have caused rifts.
• What are the Sex Pistols currently doing?
  They have been touring with Frank Carter as the frontman and are set for festivals and international tours.
• Is John Lydon working on new music?
  Yes, Lydon is actively touring with Public Image Ltd and working on new material.

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