REVIEW + GALLERY: The Sex Pistols Featuring Frank Carter Live at Hordern Pavilion 8/4/2025

How Good! Chronicles
Apr 9
2 min read

Updated: Apr 10

Written and Photographed by Jordan Newton

The English weather didn't dampen the spirits of Sydney punk rockers flocking to Hordern Pavilion to see the UK's most influential Punk Rock band, The Sex Pistols.

Following Melbourne punk rockers Civic opening act, the founding members and their new frontman Frank Carter arrived on stage and dedicated tonight's show in tribute to Blondie's drummer and close friend Clem Burke who passed away yesterday.

Instantly kicking into Holiday In The Sun, The Sex Pistols played their explosive 1977 studio album Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols in its entirety. This tour was also the first time the band had toured without their controversial lead singer, Johnny "Rotten" Lydon and many wondered if the band would work without him.

The answer is: Yes! Frank provides a new energy to the band and their audience. The crowd itself consisted of aging loyal fans along with new ones, eager to get involved in walls of death in the middle of the moshpit created on Frank's command. As Steve Jones (guitarist) mentioned to The Music “Frank definitely adds a different dynamic than John; he's got a tonne of energy, he's a lunatic,” Jones explains. “I think the great thing about Frank is that he doesn't try to imitate John, he just kind of does his own thing, and he's a real rock and roller – he likes to stir it up and get the crowd going.”

The band smashed their way through their rebelous anthems including Pretty Vacant, Seventeen, God Save The Queen and saving Anarchy In The UK till last. A personal favourite part of the show was when Frank Carter and Sex Pistols paid tribute to former bassist Sid Vicious by playing his own version of Claude François' My Way.

With the original members Glen Matlock (bass) groovy licks, Paul Cook (drums) youthful energy behind the skins, Steve Jones' signature punk sound playing along side Frank's off and stage antics, the gig showcased how the Sex Pistols' short catalogue made a large and chatoic impact across generations.

Sex Pistols Hordern Pavilion Sydney Setlist 8/4/2025