Steve Jones Claims It “Wasn’t Worth” Asking John Lydon to Join Sex Pistols Reunion

Steve Jones reveals why he didn't reach out to John Lydon for the Sex Pistols reunion shows. Explore their complex relationship and the band's comeback plans.

The Reunion That Wasn’t

Steve Jones, the iconic guitarist of the Sex Pistols, recently shared that it “wasn’t even worth asking” John Lydon to join the band for their reunion shows. The legendary punk group, who last performed with Lydon in 2008, kicked off a UK comeback tour last autumn, with Frank Carter stepping in as the vocalist. This followed two intimate gigs at London’s Bush Hall, where they performed the classic album ‘Never Mind The Bollocks’ in its entirety.

Upcoming Shows and Plans

The band has more live performances lined up for 2025, including appearances at the Download Festival and the Teenage Cancer Trust series at London’s Royal Albert Hall. In a recent interview, Jones revealed that the Sex Pistols are also planning to tour the US. This news has sparked excitement among fans of the group.

Jones explained the background behind the reunion during an interview with Rolling Stone AU, stating that neither he nor his bandmates had spoken to Lydon in a staggering 17 years. Their relationship took a further hit after Lydon lost a court battle over the use of the Sex Pistols’ music in Danny Boyle’s 2022 mini-series, Pistol.

On Their Strained Relationship

“We don’t talk,” Jones shared with the publication. “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.”

Jones reflected on the court case with Pistol, stating that it simply wasn't worth the effort to involve Lydon in discussions about the reunion. “I don’t think he was interested,” he added.

Frank Carter and Sex Pistols. CREDIT: Press

Looking Back on Their History

In a previous interview, Jones was asked if he would ever reconnect with Lydon. He responded cryptically, “Who knows? You never know…” He nostalgically reminisced about their tours together and acknowledged Lydon’s humorous side. “I like John. He’s a funny guy; he’s got a great sense of humour and he’s sharp. It just kind of ran its course, that whole relationship,” he admitted.

Despite wishing Lydon well as he embarks on his own journey with Public Image Ltd (PiL), Jones is aware of the challenging times Lydon faces following the loss of his wife and close friends.

John Lydon’s Perspective

Interestingly, Lydon himself had claimed that his estranged bandmates did not reach out to him after his wife's passing. “They’re dead to me,” he told NME. “They’re poison.” His sentiments reflect a deep-seated rift within the group, as he criticized their decision to tour without him.

John Lydon and Steve Jones from The Sex Pistols perform live on stage at The Roxy Club in Los Angeles on October 25, 2007. CREDIT: Richard E. Aaron/Redferns/Getty

Lydon went as far as to describe their reunion tour with Carter as “almost malicious in its intent” and labeled it as “karaoke.” He expressed frustration that his former bandmates had years to create new music but instead opted for a nostalgia-driven tour.

Continuing the Conversation

In a recent episode of the Classic Album Review podcast, Lydon voiced his concerns over the band’s direction without him. “I wrote the fucking songs, didn’t I? I gave them the image. I was the frontman. I am the voice that made the whole world sing,” he declared.

As this saga unfolds, fans are left to ponder the future of the Sex Pistols and the possibility of reconciliation between Lydon and his former bandmates.

While attending Download 2024, Frank Carter discussed his reasons for wanting to join the Sex Pistols reunion tour. Bassist Glen Matlock, when asked about Lydon’s pro-Trump stance, reflected on their complicated history and questioned the sincerity of Lydon’s earlier lyrics.

For more insights, you can read on John Lydon's new interview for NME’s Does Rock ‘N’ Roll Kill Braincells?! quiz here.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What did Steve Jones say about John Lydon joining the reunion? Jones mentioned it wasn’t worth asking Lydon to participate, indicating a strained relationship.
• When was the last time Lydon performed with the Sex Pistols? The last performance was in 2008 before the recent reunion shows.
• Who is stepping in as the frontman for the reunion tour? Frank Carter has taken on the role of lead vocalist for the reunion tour.
• What are the upcoming events for the Sex Pistols? They have performances scheduled for the Download Festival and the Teenage Cancer Trust series at the Royal Albert Hall.
• How does John Lydon feel about the reunion tour? Lydon has expressed anger and disappointment regarding the tour, referring to it as “karaoke” and claiming his former bandmates did not support him during personal struggles.

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