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 around the venue, attending as punters themselves, while Frank Carter performed at Bush Hall back in 2012 for his debut live show with his former group, Pure Love. Lifelong Sex Pistols fan Frank Carter first 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 or 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’m very excited to be a part of it.”
Paul Cook adds, “We’re doing a benefit for Bush Hall with the famous Frank Carter. We’re going to be playing Pistols numbers cause they need support and they need the money. We thought it would be a great way to stop it going under. This is my local venue. I grew up in Shepherd’s Bush and I still live round here. It would be a real shame to see it disappear and we want to keep it going. So everyone get down to the gig!”
Steve Jones notes, “If it all goes wrong, it’s Paul’s f**king fault.”
Glen Matlock says, “I tend to agree with Steve.” He goes on, “Smaller music venues are the lifeblood of new music. It’s in these intimate spaces that raw talent gets a chance to shine, where bands can really connect with their audiences, and where the spirit of live music truly comes alive so we need to keep them going.”
The shows will raise funds for Bush Hall, a beloved grassroots venue in the heart of West London. It’s more important than ever to protect grassroots venues and support this vital area of the music industry – since the pandemic, sustaining live music continues to be incredibly challenging. In 2023, Bush Hall saw a 24.5% decrease in live music bookings.
Money raised from ticket sales will help secure Bush Hall’s musical future, allowing the venue team to focus on bettering in-house facilities, and supporting emerging artists through reigniting their Bush Hall Presents’ programming.
Promoter John Giddings: “Without treasured music venues like Bush Hall, we wouldn’t have the festival headliners of today. Bush Hall is where artists cut their teeth and hone their craft. It’s essential that these venues continue to exist for the music industry to thrive and evolve. That’s non-negotiable. Thanks to the Sex Pistols and Frank Carter for stepping up – this gig will be one hell of a night.”
Bush Hall’s historic breakthrough came with REM gracing the stage in 2002 – Amy Winehouse followed, with the likes of 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 showcases not only artists who are starting out, but those already established, as well as introducing international bands to the UK market – with Kings of Leon famously performing their first UK gig at Bush Hall in 2006.
Bush Hall owner Charlie Raworth says, “We love putting on the music and giving musicians a platform to perform on our stage, in an intimate space, that is up close and personal with the audience. We want and need to keep this going. So, a massive thanks from all at Bush Hall to the legends that are the Sex Pistols and Frank Carter.”
The artwork for these unique shows has been designed by Shepard Fairey. The American contemporary artist and activist is one of the best known and most influential street artists, recognised also for his work on the Barack Obama ‘Hope’ poster for the 2008 U.S. presidential election. Fairey drew inspiration from Jamie Reid’s bus design for the Sex Pistols’ single ‘Pretty Vacant’ and the burning speakers from Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes’ Blossom album cover. He also incorporated the colour palette from the Never Mind the Bollocks cover, creating a piece that perfectly merges the creativity of both artists.
Shepard Fairey: “The Sex Pistols were a life changing band for me so it’s an honour to collaborate with them, along with Frank Carter, who shares the Pistols’ spirit but throws his own gas on the fire!”
Tickets go on sale at 9am BST on Wednesday 5 June via
