Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

The Sex Pistols Surprise Fans with Secret Gig at 100 Club

Andy - Rock News / Shutterstock.com
Andy - Rock News / Shutterstock.com

The legendary punk band, the Sex Pistols, marked a historic moment by returning to London's 100 Club after a remarkable 50-year hiatus. This was the venue that solidified their status back in 1976 during the infamous 100 Club Punk Special. The 100 Club, an intimate venue known for its small capacity of 300, was packed with devoted fans and stars such as Noel Gallagher, Paul Weller, and Bobby Gillespie. The excitement was palpable as Frank Carter, former frontman of Gallows, took on vocal duties for the absent Johnny Rotten. Fans old and new were greeted with roaring renditions of classics like “Holidays In The Sun” and “God Save The Queen,” transporting many back to the dawn of punk.

It was the band's first performance at the iconic London venue in 50 years. The Sex Pistols performed under the pseudonym SPOTS, “Sex Pistols On Tour Secretly,” as they did in the late 70s to sidestep potential bans. In a show filled with nostalgia and energy, the band proved they haven't lost their rebellious charm. For their devoted followers, especially those who witnessed their rise half a century ago, it was a deeply emotional moment. The venue, once the backdrop to their chaotic beginnings, was now the stage for a triumphant return.

The setlist was a nod to their enduring legacy, featuring tracks from their groundbreaking album, Never Mind The Bollocks. Songs like “Pretty Vacant” and “Anarchy In The UK” fueled the crowd's fervor, with Carter frequently engaging the audience, prompting them to reflect, “How many of you were here the first time around?” His stage presence, reminiscent of the early days, was both a tribute and an evolution of the band's iconic style. This show was more than just music; it was a cultural reconnection, bridging decades of punk rock history.

The return to the 100 Club was not just a standalone event. It marked the beginning of the band's current tour, which includes a significant performance at the Royal Albert Hall for the Teenage Cancer Trust. This show is part of a series of fundraising concerts to kick off their 2025 schedule. The band's choice to participate in such a cause underscores their lasting influence and adaptability, remaining relevant and impactful in today’s music scene. The Royal Albert Hall, with its grandeur and history, provides a fitting contrast to the gritty punk ethos of the Pistols, showcasing their journey and growth as musicians and cultural icons.

Despite the absence of Johnny Rotten, whose relationship with the band has been strained, the current lineup has found success and camaraderie. The Pistols’ spirited performance at the 100 Club and upcoming shows are a declaration that punk rock, as embodied by these legends, endures with its core messages of rebellion and authenticity intact. The current tour establishes the Sex Pistols' continued influence, uniting old punk pioneers with new generations who find meaning in their music.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Illinois man arrested after allegedly impersonating Sammy Hagar

Police in Mount Vernon, Illinois, say they took a local man into custody after he allegedly posed as “Red Rocker”…

PETA Urges Robert Plant to Rebrand as “Robert Plant Wool”

What’s happening Animal rights organization PETA has made a pointed request to rock legend Robert Plant: temporarily adopt the name…

Bruce Watson and Luis Maldonado of Foreigner in concert during the Farewell Tour at The I Think Financial Amphitheater Foreigner in concert, West Palm Beach, Florida, USA - 08 Jul 2023

Foreigner and Lou Gramm Are Finishing “New” Music From the Vault

According to a recent interview with UltimateClassicRock.com, Foreigner and original singer Lou Gramm are back in the studio working together,…

David Gilmour Draws the Line: “I Will Never Perform with Roger Waters Again”

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour made one of his strongest public statements yet…

Remembering Ace Frehley: The “Spaceman” of Rock

A Memorial for Ace Frehley, A True Great Rock and Roller On October 16, 2025, the music world lost one…

Ace Frehley on Life Support: What We Know About the Reports

Ace Frehley, the legendary guitarist and founding member of KISS, is reportedly on life support after suffering a brain bleed…

Lou Gramm

Lou Gramm Announces Retirement From Touring After More Than 50 Years

Classic rock icon Lou Gramm, the unmistakable voice behind Foreigner hits like “I Want to Know What Love Is”, “Cold…

Carlos Santana Denies Bad Bunny Controversy, Blames “AI Hoax” for Fake Super Bowl Comments

Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana is pushing back against viral claims that he criticized Bad Bunny’s upcoming Super Bowl 2026 halftime…

The Eagles Add More Dates: Sphere Residency Extended Into 2026

Legendary rock band The Eagles are continuing to expand their concert presence, confirming new dates to their Las Vegas Sphere…