Sex Pistols Featuring Frank Carter Announce 50th Anniversary UK Shows for Summer 2026

Celebrate 50 years of punk legacy as the Sex Pistols, now fronted by Frank Carter, gear up for iconic UK shows in summer 2026.

A Punk Milestone Reborn: The Sex Pistols and Frank Carter Celebrate 50 Years

If the walls of the Lesser Free Trade Hall in Manchester could talk, they'd have some legendary tales to tell—especially about those electrifying Sex Pistols gigs back in 1976. Fast forward half a century, and the punk pioneers are back, this time with Frank Carter stepping up as frontman, ready to reignite that rebellious spirit with a series of headline UK shows next summer.

These gigs commemorate the 50th anniversary of the two groundbreaking shows the band played at Manchester’s Lesser Free Trade Hall on June 4 and July 20, 1976. Those shows weren’t just concerts; they were seismic shifts in music history, inspiring future legends like Joy Division, The Smiths, and The Fall. As a lifelong punk fan, I can’t help but feel the buzz just imagining the raw energy that night must have unleashed.

From Punk Origins to Modern Revival

The Sex Pistols’ reinvention with Frank Carter, who joined as vocalist in 2024, initially aimed to support London's iconic Bush Hall venue. But now, they’re hitting the road with a vengeance, set to headline some of the UK’s most emblematic open-air venues:

• TK Maxx Presents Live at The Piece Hall, Halifax
• Castlefield Bowl, Manchester
• TK Maxx Presents Depot Live at Cardiff Castle
• TK Maxx Presents Scarborough Open Air Theatre

All events will take place between July and August 2026, a perfect summer backdrop to celebrate punk’s rebellious spirit.

Supporting the band, punk stalwarts The Undertones will be on all four dates, with poetic punk legend John Cooper Clarke joining in Manchester. The Stranglers will add their signature sound in Cardiff and Scarborough, while the energetic Panic Shack will warm up audiences in Halifax and Cardiff.

Tickets go on general sale on November 28, so if you want to be part of this historic celebration, don’t snooze!

The Legacy Continues Beyond Manchester

This announcement arrived just weeks after the band was confirmed to play the Isle of Wight Festival in June 2026. They're also booked for major European festivals like Nova Rock in Austria and Hills of Rock in Bulgaria. Originally, they had North and South American tours lined up for autumn but had to postpone after guitarist Steve Jones suffered a broken wrist—an unfortunate yet all-too-human hiccup on their punk journey.

Mark Your Calendars: 2026 UK Tour Dates

• June 18-21 – Isle Of Wight Festival, Seaclose Park
• July 11 – Halifax, The Piece Hall
• July 12 – Manchester, Castlefield Bowl
• August 1 – Cardiff, Cardiff Castle
• August 2 – Scarborough, Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Alongside Frank Carter’s fiery vocals, the band features original members Steve Jones on guitar, Paul Cook on drums, and Glen Matlock on bass. John Lydon, the iconic original frontman, last performed with the Pistols in 2008 and has since focused on his Public Image Ltd projects.

Glen Matlock shared some insight last year about Carter’s addition:

“He’s got a lot more energy than people of our age. He’s in the crowd; he’s a class act. He was recommended by my son, Louis, who’s in tune with what’s going on. It’s not the same as with John, but it’s not supposed to be.”

This candid reflection speaks volumes about the band’s evolution—respecting roots while embracing fresh energy.

The Future of the Sex Pistols: Will New Music Emerge?

When asked about new material, Steve Jones was straightforward:

“I think if you do anything new and you’re playing it live, that’s when people go and get a drink. When was the last time you heard a good Rolling Stones song?”

Despite this playful skepticism, Glen Matlock recently hinted that the band does have ideas brewing for new music with Carter’s lyrical talents. They’ve been busy, so nothing's been fully developed yet, but the door isn’t closed.

“Above all, we have to ask ourselves if the public really wants us to release new music,” Matlock mused. “In the end, who knows?”

Honestly, even the thought of new Pistols tunes sparks excitement in fans like me. It’s a tricky balance—honoring a legendary catalog while daring to add fresh chapters to that story.

FAQ

• What’s the significance of the Lesser Free Trade Hall gigs?
  Those 1976 shows are regarded as some of the most influential punk concerts ever, inspiring future bands like Joy Division and The Smiths.
• Who is Frank Carter and how did he join the Sex Pistols?
  Frank Carter is a fiery punk vocalist who joined the Sex Pistols in 2024, recommended by Glen Matlock’s son, bringing new energy to the band.
• Which festivals will the Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter play in 2026?
  They’re confirmed for the Isle of Wight Festival, Nova Rock in Austria, Hills of Rock in Bulgaria, and more.
• Will the band release new music?
  They have ideas and are considering it, but nothing is set in stone yet.
• Where can I buy tickets for the 2026 UK shows?
  Tickets go on sale November 28 and can be found through official ticket platforms and the band’s website.

Celebrate this milestone and keep the punk spirit alive by shopping your favorite Sex Pistols album cover posters at our store. Bring home a piece of punk history to inspire your own rebellion: Shop now.