Frank Carter and Paul Cook, Glen Matlock and Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols are teaming up to save historic music venue Bush Hall in west London, with two shows on Tuesday 13 August and Wednesday 14 August 2024.
The Sex Pistols, one of the most influential rock bands of all time, will join electric frontman Frank Carter at Bush Hall to perform the Sex Pistols' iconic 1977 album. Don't care about the nonsense In its whole. Funds raised from these must-see concerts will go directly towards the preservation of this revered independent London venue. Tickets go on sale this Wednesday, June 5.
Supporting Bush Hall, a cornerstone of the music scene, is a cause close to the hearts of both Frank Carter and the Sex Pistols. Both Paul Cook and Steve Jones grew up there and attended as punters, while Frank Carter performed at Bush Hall in 2012 for his live debut with his former group Pure Love. Lifelong Sex Pistols fan Frank Carter met Steve Jones in 2008 during an interview on Steve's radio show, and later met the rest of the band through mutual friends. They soon bonded over their shared love of live music and decided to perform together to help preserve the iconic London venue.
Frank Carter says: “This has been a joy from start to finish. When the Sex Pistols call, you answer. “I am very excited to be a part of this.”
Paul Cook adds: “We are going to do a benefit for Bush Hall with the famous Frank Carter. We are going to play with Pistols numbers because they need support and money. We thought it would be a great way to keep it from sinking. This is my local place. I grew up in Shepherd's Bush and still live around here. It would be a real shame to see it disappear and we want to keep it that way. So everyone go to the concert!
Steve Jones points out, “If everything goes wrong, it's Paul's fucking fault.”
Glen Matlock says: “I tend to agree with Steve.” He continues, “Smaller music venues are the lifeblood of new music. It's in these intimate spaces where raw talent gets the chance to shine, where bands can truly connect with their audiences and where the spirit of live music truly comes to life, so we need to keep them going.”
The shows will raise funds for Bush Hall, a popular venue in the heart of west London. It is more important than ever to protect grassroots venues and support this vital area of the music industry; Since the pandemic, keeping music live remains an incredible challenge. In 2023, Bush Hall experienced a 24.5% decline in live music bookings.
Money raised from ticket sales will help secure Bush Hall's musical future, allowing the venue team to focus on improving in-house facilities and supporting emerging artists by reviving Bush Hall Presents programming.
Promoter John Giddings: “Without cherished music venues like Bush Hall, we wouldn’t have today’s festival headliners. Bush Hall is where artists train and hone their craft. It is essential that these venues continue to exist for the music industry to thrive and evolve. That is not negotiable. Thanks to the Sex Pistols and Frank Carter for coming forward; “This concert will be an incredible night.”
Bush Hall's historic breakthrough came when REM took the stage in 2002; Amy Winehouse followed, with artists such as Florence & The Machine, Toots & the Maytals, Adele, The Killers, Michael Kiwanuka, Alicia Keys, Paul Weller, Nick Cave, Bombay Bicycle. Club and many more. Bush Hall presents not only artists just starting out, but also those already established, as well as introducing international bands to the UK market; Kings of Leon performed their first UK concert at Bush Hall in 2006.
Bush Hall owner Charlie Raworth says: “We love playing music and giving musicians a platform to perform on our stage, in an intimate space, up close and personal with the audience. We want and need this to continue like this. “So, a huge thank you from everyone at Bush Hall to the legends that are the Sex Pistols and Frank Carter.”
Shepard Fairey has designed the artwork for these unique shows. The American contemporary artist and activist is one of the best-known and most influential street artists, also recognized for his work on Barack Obama's 'Hope' poster for the 2008 US presidential election. Fairey was inspired by Jamie Reid's bus design for the Sex Pistols' single 'Pretty Vacant' and on the burning speakers on the cover of Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes' Blossom album. He also incorporated the color palette from the cover of Never Mind the Bollocks, creating a piece that perfectly fuses the creativity of both artists.
Shepard Fairey: “The Sex Pistols were a band that changed my life, so it's an honor to collaborate with them, along with Frank Carter, who shares the spirit of the Pistols but throws his own gas on the fire!”
Tickets go on sale Wednesday June 5 at 9am BST here.
thanks to our partners at www.xsnoize.com
