On the evening of Sunday, Oct. 4, my wife and I filed into Columbus, Ohio’s Newport Music Hall to see Bad Nerves and punk rock legends the Sex Pistols as part of the 50 Years Of Punk Tour.
The line outside started moving at 7:30 p.m. on the dot, and we secured a spot inside, front and center, anxiously awaiting the evening’s musical endeavors.
Around 8:30 p.m., Bad Nerves took the stage with their classic brit-punk look. Chunks of the crowd were donned in the band’s merch.
The Essex band took us through an incredibly high energy set, rarely stopping for but a moment as they pummeled into the next track.
Reminiscent of the Ramones in their music delivery, Bad Nerves carries a truly genuine and classic punk rock feel that’s missing from many of today’s acts, and that was truly refreshing.
It was nice to see another generation still carrying the torch while maintaining a fresh air, never once feeling phoned in. I know I’m not the only onlooker who came in mostly blind, and left impressed.
When the Sex Pistols took to the stage, the energy in the room skyrocketed even further. From grey haired heads to wide eyed youngsters, the room was a mix of generations eager to watch the latest adaptation of the punk icon’s lineup.
Frank Carter led the band through a massive setlist, not just teeming with Pistols’ classics, but also a handful of covers, ranging from Paul Anka/Frank Sinatra to The Stooges.
When the band lept into the fourth track of the evening, “Pretty Vacant,” Frank Carter climbed down from the stage, making his way to the center of the pit to announce the track, insisting everyone form a circle pit. Of course, the crowd obliged.
As the pit ensued, myself and others wrapped around Frank in unison, and one by one, we screamed along to the track—the room was enamored.
Frank Carter is not just some fill in, he is a true frontman, demanding AND earning respect for the current lineup—not just in his words, but also in his delivery and stature.
It was very evident that these old boys still have as much fun as they did in their hay day; picking on one another as the set moved forward, they never skipped a beat.
As someone who has seen countless legendary bands, and left disappointed by the musician’s inability to keep pace, that was certainly not the case for Frank Carter and the Sex Pistols.
I can’t say how many years it has been since I have seen a show with such energy, and a crowd so receptive of quite literally every passing moment.
In recent years it’s become quite evident that ex-frontman Johnny Lydon has truly leaned in to his identity as a sour, self-fellating MAGA chud; however unfortunate that may be, the band has found themselves at a new peak.
Much respect to Johnny Rotten, the man who first held the spot, but it’s quite clear that he is no necessity.
Frank Carter and the Sex Pistols stand strong for a new generation of punk rockers and deliver for old time fans what they may never get to see otherwise. And that, to me, is deserving of respect.
Wrapping up the evening, the band jumped into their iconic “Anarchy In The UK,” inviting out members of Bad Nerves to join them for group vocals on the chorus, even stopping the music and encouraging the crowd to sing along. And, in good fashion, we did exactly that.
If you grew up with the Sex Pistols, you will find more than enough joy in what it is these guys are doing, and I highly encourage you to get out before it’s too late, and put yourself front and center.
Cell Photos: Elise Cole
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