JOHN LYDON Blasts His Longtime SEX PISTOLS Bandmates As ‘Deceitful, Lying Hyenas’: ‘I Never Want Another Thing To Do With Them’
John Lydon has renewed his criticism of the Sex Pistols’ reunion with singer Frank Carter, calling his former bandmates “deceitful, lying hyenas” and saying he wants no further involvement with them. His remarks underline the continuing rift over the band performing without him and using songs and an image he says he created.
Guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook and bassist Glen Matlock began playing with Carter in 2024, first at three fundraising shows in London and then on a UK tour. The group, billed as Sex Pistols Featuring Frank Carter, has since played in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand; Lydon’s estrangement deepened after he unsuccessfully tried to block the use of the band’s songs in a television series about them.
- Lydon says he wants no further dealings with his former bandmates.
- The Sex Pistols have toured with Frank Carter on vocals since 2024.
- Lydon disputes the reunion’s use of songs and identity he says he created.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Jones, Cook and Matlock can argue that the reunion lets the remaining band members perform the Sex Pistols’ music for new and longtime audiences, while Carter brings his own voice to the songs. The “Featuring Frank Carter” billing makes clear that Lydon is not part of the line-up, and the fundraising shows also gave the performances a charitable purpose.
The case against
Lydon can argue that the band’s songs and identity are closely tied to his creative contribution, so performing them without him risks presenting the group’s legacy without the person who helped shape it. He may also see the reunion and use of the music in a television series as decisions made without his agreement, leaving him with little control over how that shared history is represented.