Sex Pistols: Steve Jones says he hasn’t spoken to Johnny Rotten in 16 years

The relationship between the members of the now closed Sex Pistolswhich was never the best, has gone sour in recent years. John Lydonvocalist formerly known as Johnny Rottensought — and failed — to prevent the use of the band’s songs in the series in court Pistol. The guitarist Steve Jonesthe bassist Glen Matlock and the drummer Paul Cook decided to resume the group recently without the singer, bringing Frank Carter for a series of shows that only grows.

It reaches the point where Lydon and Jones haven’t spoken in 16 years — basically, since the group’s last reunion for shows, between 2007 and 2008. The guitarist discussed his tumultuous relationship with his former colleague in a recent interview with Rockonteurs (via Ultimate Classic Rock).

He stated:

I don’t talk to him (John) for years. 2008 was the last time I spoke to him. We did 30 shows across Europe. We did a lot of festivals and everything, Japan, Australia. We finished at the Hammersmith Odeon, Hammersmith Apollo and then we played another show in the Basque Country. That was it.”

More specifically, the final performance was held on September 5, 2008, at the Azkena Festival, in Vitoria-Gasteiz. Apparently, communication was broken from then on.

For me, after that, it was over. I didn’t want it anymore. It was too much. Too old (the conflict), too much, not enough has been done (to improve the relationship).”

Sex Pistols without John Lydon

Still at Rockonteurs, Steve Jones confirmed that the Sex Pistols will continue with Frank Carter in the vacancy John Lydon. In June, the band had announced that they would perform a short series of two (which became three) special shows for charity: to raise funds to maintain Bush Hall, an iconic event venue in London severely affected by the post-pandemic situation.

It went so well that six other performances were scheduled: four in England, one in Scotland and one in Italy. And it won’t stop there.

This is different. It’s a different vibe. It’s like night and day. He (Frank) does not try to be John. It’s just fun. Plus, we’re playing it the way it should be played. And you have this lunatic jumping all over the place. He brings a great element to the fun part of it. Let’s hit the road next year.”

The only passage from Sex Pistols through Brazil took place in 1996. At the time, the band — with John Lydonof course — performed at the Close Up Planet festival, with two dates in São Paulo and one in Rio de Janeiro. The tour marked the first reunion of the previously disbanded group in 1978. They then performed shows in 2002 and 2003 and, finally, from 2007 to 2008.