Johnny Rotten left furious by Sex Pistols reunion gigs amid rumours of full UK tour
TICKETS were snapped up in record time for their special summer fund-raising gigs.
So it’s safe to assume the nation rejoiced when Sex Pistols legends Paul Cook, Steve Jones and Glen Matlock announced two shows at Bush Hall in West London this August.
In fact, it didn’t take long for a third date to be added due to phenomenal demand.
But someone who is far from happy about the concerts is ex- frontman John Lydon — who has been replaced by Frank Carter.
In fact, I’m told John is furious and thinks the move is well and truly “Rotten”.
The band has recruited singer and tattoo artist Frank to play the entirety of their seminal Never Mind The Bollocks album on August 13, 14 and 15.
They will be raising funds for a bid to save Bush Hall, a famous live music venue in Shepherd’s Bush.
But they are more than just benefit gigs.
The group is also giving two fingers to Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten, after their battles over music rights with the punk hero.
Over the years, he has launched a string of attempts to stop their tracks being used in TV shows, and even in Danny Boyle’s six-part drama based on the memoirs of his bandmate Steve Jones.
A source said: “These Pistols gigs aren’t just for charity.
“They’re to show Rotten how rotten they think he’s been to the rest of the band over the years by battling to stop them earning royalties from their music. Rotten thinks he IS the Pistols and has the rights to all their music, but these gigs will show they don’t need him any more.
“In typical fashion, John has told pals he thinks the upcoming gigs will be bollocks.”
But while the never-ending feud seems to be contained — for now — I understand things could get a whole lot messier.
An insider said the band is now thinking of going on a full tour after seeing the Bush Hall gigs sell out in minutes.
“A full tour has been talked about for a while, but for one reason or another it never came to fruition,” my insider explained.
“Right now the focus is on making sure these three sell-out shows are a return to form.
“But if it goes well and fans take to Frank, then the group see no reason why a full tour is not possible — regardless of what John thinks or says.”
Lydon is currently touring the UK with a spoken word show called I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right.
It sees him discuss how he views the world and answering questions from fans.
He’s never been one to hold his tongue so I will wait with bated breath to see what he says or does when August’s concerts roll around.
Though regardless, I’m sure Paul, Steve, Glen and Frank will knock it out the park.
Sabrina’s looking bonnie
SABRINA CARPENTER is the cream of the crop as she takes to the stage in New York.
The US singer sported this tiny bejewelled dress complete with cut-out heart front as she performed at the Governors Ball Music Festival in Queens.
Sabrina is enjoying a career high at the moment after supporting Taylor Swift on her Eras Tour and having her single Espresso spend over a month at No1 in the UK.
She will no doubt be hoping to keep the momentum going with new track Please Please Please.
Sabrina has enlisted her actor boyfriend Barry Keoghan to be in the Bonnie and Clyde-inspired clip.
Saltburn star Barry can be seen playing a gun-wielding criminal in the clip as Sabrina transforms into a very glamorous sidekick.
The move seems to be working as the clip has clocked up more than 11million views on YouTube after less than 48 hours.
She’s been grafting away for years and I predict her profile is really going to soar this year.
Liam Definitely in finest form
HE boasts that his musical prowess is biblical, and Liam Gallagher is spot on.
Like a parka-wearing preacher, he had the 20,000-strong crowd rapt at his swagger as he performed some of Oasis’s best-loved hits as part of his Definitely Maybe tour.
Pints of lager went flying during Cigarettes And Alcohol, with Liam bellowing: “You’re a strange breed, man. I’m down with it – I couldn’t give a f**k.
The hip replacement has clearly done wonders for the star, and on-stage he looked fitter and more in control of his voice than ever.
Liam kept the bants to a minimum and made the night all about the music, bar a few jokes
After the gig, a friend texted me and simply said: “I think that’s as close to Oasis as you can ever get.”
I think they were right. As Liam would say himself, the gig was God-like.
Rita’s not flagging in studio
RITA ORA is pout and about as she celebrates Pride month in California.
The singer showed off her trim frame in a lace top and matching black skirt as she posed with a giant rainbow flag.
Rita joined Demi Lovato, Irish songwriter Sinead Harnett and Towie regular Chloe Sims at her best mate Vas Morgan’s We Matter Pride dinner in West Hollywood.
The singer is in the middle of a mini European festival tour after dropping new single Ask & You Shall Receive.
Rita told us last week she is well into recording her fourth album – and hopes it will be out next summer.
Can’t wait.
This week in bizness...
TODAY: Matt Smith and Emma D’Arcy lead stars at the London premiere and after-party for the second run of House Of The Dragon.
TOMORROW: Little Mix’s Leigh Anne Pinnock plays a special one-off show at Lafayette in North London in support of her debut EP No Hard Feelings.
Pink will also kick off the UK leg of her Summer Carnival shows, in Cardiff.
THURSDAY: TAYLOR SWIFT starts off a three-night run of shows at Anfield in Liverpool.
SUNDAY: Capital FM’s SummerTime Ball once again takes over Wembley.
Stephen hits the high street
STEPHEN Merchant towers over his US actress girlfriend Mircea Monroe as they hit the shops.
The 6ft 7in actor was seen checking out the Paul Smith store in London’s Bond Street – seemingly enticed by its “Made To Measure” range.
The couple, who have been together for seven years, dressed down in navy and grey as they held hands on the day out.
They were later spotted eyeing up a rare first edition of Dr Seuss’s 1990 book Oh, The Places You’ll Go! costing a hefty £475 – before wisely moving on.
Guy’s got Olivia on his radar
HE’S the mastermind behind some of Robbie Williams’ biggest hits.
And now Guy Chambers has set his sights on US star Olivia Rodrigo.
Opening up about who he wants to work with next, after creating mega-hits including Angels, Guy said: “I like Olivia, she is phenomenal. I like the fact she’s created her own musical language in her own world.
“It’s Hollywood noir – something like that. I like artists who create their own musical world. For me, women are very much on the ascendant.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Speaking on the Word In Your Ear podcast, Guy added: “I like reading someone’s body language when you play something to them. I like to be able to read if they like it or not.”
If he wants to nail time with Olivia it might be tricky, as she is busy on the road on her Guts world tour.
Trio tribute
A TRIO of new works created by pop artist Morgan Howell to mark three legendary Isle Of Wight Festival performances are being unveiled at this year’s festival.
Picking his favourite performers, one piece is a tribute to the late Amy Winehouse, a second is to David Bowie, who performed his final set on the island, and the third is to rock legends the Rolling Stones.
Walker’s game for big party
TOM Walker showed fans The Best Is Yet To Come during his performance at Chelsea FC’s Stamford Bridge ground during the Soccer Aid’s half-time show.
And while the star was excited to sing for the crowd, he told me he was also keen to get involved in the Soccer Aid after-party – which has become legendary due to the drunken antics.
Ahead of his set, Tom said: “If Robbie Williams’ credit card is behind the bar, I’m there. I can definitely be dragged into it, for sure.”
Tom, whose new album I Am is out in September, was not pulling on his footie boots, though.
He joked: “You don’t want me on the pitch. I’d show everyone up. I’m too much of an athlete.”