‘It Wasn’t Even Worth Asking’: Sex Pistols’ Steve Jones Talks Band’s Relationship with Johnny Rotten Ahead of Tour
John Lydon has slammed the Sex Pistols’ reunion tour in recent weeks, but the iconic English punk outfit aren’t taking the bait.
In recent weeks, Lydon – also known as Johnny Rotten – has blasted his former band’s upcoming world tour as “karaoke” and alleged there is “something darker going on behind it.”
In a new interview with Rolling Stone AU/NZ ahead of Sex Pistols’ first run of Australia and New Zealand in nearly 30 years, guitarist Steve Jones said the band have not talked to Lydon in years and the relationship has only become more strained since their former frontman lost a court battle over the use of the band’s music in the 2022 biographical miniseries, Pistol.
“We don’t talk,”Jones told Rolling Stone AU/NZ.
“The last time I spoke to him was 2008. But I wish him all the best. I really do. We had a great time when we were young, and it was life-changing for all of us. But after the court case with Pistol it wasn’t even worth asking John [about the reunion tour].
“I don’t think he was interested.”
Sex Pistols are confirmed to play shows in Auckland, Christchurch, Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth this April with UK frontman Frank Carter stepping in in place of Lydon in what will be their first tour Down Under since 1996.
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“From what I remember, the crowds really got off on it when we played there in ’96,” Jones said.
“You come up with some good bands too – The Saints were a great punk band. And of course, AC/DC and Rose Tattoo. I liked them a lot.”
Tickets for the Australian and New Zealand shows are on sale now. Click here for more details and keep an eye on Rolling Stone AU/NZ this week for the full interview with Jones.
Sex Pistols Featuring Frank Carter 2025 Australia & New Zealand TourWednesday, April 2nd Town Hall, Auckland, NZ
Thursday, April 3rd Town Hall, Christchurch, NZ
Saturday, April 5th Festival Hall, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday, April 6th Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide, SA
Tuesday, April 8th Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, NSW
Wednesday, April 9th Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Friday, April 11th Fremantle Prison, Perth, WA
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