Steve Jones broke his wrist, forcing the Sex Pistols to postpone their eagerly anticipated North and South American tours. The 69-year-old guitarist assured fans via Instagram that he expects to return “in the not-too-distant future,” adding with characteristic punk humor: “The other good news is I’ll be 70 tomorrow! God bless, and God save the wrist.”
The postponement hits particularly hard given the significance of these dates. This tour, announced back in March, was set to mark the band’s first North American return since 2003—a 22-year gap that had fans circling September 16 on their calendars. The anticipation wasn’t just about nostalgia; it was about witnessing punk history with a lineup that bridges the band’s chaotic past and uncertain future.
Tour Details and Rescheduling Plans
All dates will move to new slots once Jones recovers from his injury.
The tour was set to kick off September 16 at Dallas’s Longhorn Ballroom, with more than a dozen dates planned through October. The itinerary included high-profile stops like Los Angeles’s Hollywood Palladium, venues that understand the weight of hosting legends. These shows were designed around a complete performance of their seminal 1977 album “Never Mind the Bollocks,” alongside other material that helped define punk’s DNA.
The current lineup features:
- Steve Jones (original member)
- Paul Cook on drums (original member)
- Glen Matlock on bass (original member)
- Frank Carter handling vocals
While purists might debate the authenticity of any Sex Pistols without Johnny Rotten, the core rhythm section remains intact. Ticket holders should check venue websites and the band’s social media for rescheduling announcements—all shows will move to new dates rather than being cancelled outright.
Legacy Act Faces Modern Realities
The postponement highlights both punk’s enduring appeal and its aging pioneers.
This setback comes amid ongoing tension over the band’s current formation. Original frontman John Lydon has publicly dismissed the Carter-fronted lineup as “karaoke,” refusing to participate in the reunion effort. His absence creates an obvious void, but it also removes the interpersonal drama that has historically overshadowed the band’s musical legacy.
The band’s relationship with American audiences remains complicated. Their infamous 1978 US tour saw hostile crowds throwing bottles, rats, and pig’s ears at performers they viewed as “British devils.” Yet demand for these rescheduled shows proves punk’s foundational acts still draw crowds willing to witness rock history, even with lineup changes.
The postponement stings for fans who’ve waited over two decades for the Sex Pistols’ return to North America, but Jones’s optimistic recovery outlook suggests this delay won’t derail the reunion permanently. At 70, Jones represents both punk’s rebellious spirit and its inevitable confrontation with mortality. Your patience now means experiencing something that may never happen again.
Follow venue websites and band social channels for updated tour dates.
