Sex Pistols and Frank Carter Postpone Americas Tour After Steve Jones Breaks Wrist

Punk rock fans face a delay as Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones breaks his wrist, pausing the highly anticipated North and South American tour with Frank Carter.

A Sudden Setback for a Punk Dream Tour

If you were gearing up for a raucous night of punk mayhem, the news hit like a power chord gone wrong: Steve Jones, the legendary guitarist of the Sex Pistols, broke his wrist. This unfortunate injury has forced the iconic punk band, alongside Frank Carter on lead vocals, to postpone their upcoming North and South American tour. Scheduled to roar to life with a kickoff show in Dallas, Texas on September 16, 2025, those dates will now have to wait for a future time when Jones is back to shred.

Sex Pistols and Frank Carter ready to storm the stage (Photo: Archive)

The Announcement: A Mix of Bad and Good News

The band took to Instagram on September 2 to share the news, delivering it with the kind of candid humor only true rock veterans can muster. Jones himself gave fans a heads-up:

“I’ve got some good news and bad news. What do you want first? Okay, the bad news: I’ve broken my wrist, so unfortunately we won’t be doing any shows for a while. The good news is the surgeon said I will be back playing guitar in the not-too-distant future. The other good news is I’ll be 70 tomorrow! God bless, and God save the wrist.” — Steve Jones

This blend of honesty and wit perfectly captures the spirit of the Sex Pistols—never losing their edge, even when sidelined. The band promised to reschedule the performances once Steve is fully healed, urging fans to keep an eye on venue updates and their social media channels for fresh info.

A Historic Tour on Hold

This tour was set to be a landmark moment—the first time this specific lineup, with Frank Carter stepping in on vocals, would perform stateside. When the dates were announced earlier this year, the band celebrated with a special limited-edition vinyl pressing of their 1978 performance at Dallas' Longhorn Ballroom, a venue steeped in punk history and the planned opening night of the tour.

For longtime followers of the Sex Pistols, the tour promised a nostalgic yet fresh take on punk classics, blending the raw energy of the original group with Frank Carter’s contemporary punk flair.

John Lydon’s Critical Perspective

Of course, no Sex Pistols chapter is complete without some controversy. Original frontman John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten, has been outspokenly critical of the band’s decision to tour with Frank Carter. Calling the venture “almost malicious in its intent,” he likened it to “karaoke,” implying that it lacks the raw intensity and authenticity that defined the Pistols' heyday.

In one pointed remark, he said:

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

He went on to cheekily address Carter directly:

“Of course, it’s karaoke, but it’s like… Come on, Mr Carter, you’re not Johnny Rotten, I am. Right? Stop it.”

However, Lydon did acknowledge Carter in a somewhat softened light, noting that he "actually think[s] he took it on in the right spirit." Yet, the underlying tension around this reunion lingers in the punk air like feedback from a wild guitar solo.

Behind the Scenes Drama

The discord between the original and reformed versions of the band isn't new. Steve Jones revealed that it wasn’t even worth inviting Lydon to join the reunion, highlighting that the band members haven’t spoken to him in 17 years. This long-standing silence adds another layer to the complex legacy of the Sex Pistols.

Punk Solidarity: Billie Joe Armstrong Joins the Fun

Despite the drama, punk camaraderie shines through. In June, at a show in Norway, Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong jumped on stage with Frank Carter and the Sex Pistols to deliver a fiery rendition of “Anarchy In The UK.” It was a moment that reminded everyone that punk’s rebellious spirit transcends lineup changes and disagreements, binding artists across generations.

FAQ

• How long is Steve Jones expected to be out from his wrist injury?
  While the exact recovery time isn’t specified, Jones mentioned the surgeon’s optimism about a "not-too-distant future" return to guitar playing.
• Will the postponed tour dates be rescheduled?
  Yes, the band plans to reschedule the North and South American dates once Steve Jones has fully recovered.
• Is Frank Carter the permanent vocalist for the Sex Pistols?
  Frank Carter is fronting the band for this tour, but original singer John Lydon remains separate from this lineup.
• Has Steve Jones spoken to John Lydon recently?
  According to Jones, he hasn’t spoken to Lydon in 17 years, indicating a significant rift.
• Where can I find updates on the rescheduled shows?
  Fans should check local venue websites and the band’s official social media channels for the latest announcements.

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