This coming August 13, 14 & 15, 2024, The Sex Pistols will be playing their blueprint for punk rock, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, across three nights to raise funds for West London’s 400-capacity Bush Hall on 310 Uxbridge Road.
Speaking about the shows, Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook said:
“We’re doing a benefit for Bush Hall with the famous Frank Carter. We’re going to be playing Pistols numbers cause they need support and they need the money. We thought it would be a great way to stop it going under. This is my local venue. I grew up in Shepherd’s Bush and I still live round here. It would be a real shame to see it disappear and we want to keep it going. So everyone get down to the gig!”
Original Sex Pistols bassist and co-writer Glen Matlock added:
“Smaller music venues are the lifeblood of new music. It’s in these intimate spaces that raw talent gets a chance to shine, where bands can really connect with their audiences, and where the spirit of live music truly comes alive so we need to keep them going.”
Perfectly cast in the legendary role of Johnny Rotten, originally performed by John Lydon, Frank Carter of Gallows, Pure Love and Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes, was hand picked by Cooke, Matlock and guitarist Steve Jones not just for his ferocious and often confrontational stage antics and singing style but also for his flaming red hair and working class Irish roots (sound familiar?).
Carter, who was once described by writer Thea de Gallier in Metal Hammer magazine as being “a figurehead for the pissed-off youth who are too young to have had the Sex Pistols“, said of the upcoming Shepherd’s Bush Hall benefit gigs,
“This has been a joy from start to finish. When the Sex Pistols call, you answer. I’m very excited to be a part of it.”
Like many other small independent venues, Bush Hall suffered during the Covid pandemic, and has been battling rising costs ever since. It was recently announced the hall needs to raise over $54,000 just to keep the doors open after experiencing a 25% drop in live music bookings in 2023.
“Bush Hall is where artists cut their teeth and hone their craft,” promoter John Giddings said. “It’s essential these venues continue to exist for the music industry to thrive. Thanks to the Sex Pistols and Frank Carter for stepping up.”
The historic Bush Hall in London has seen many transformations over the years, from a dance hall to a soup kitchen during World War II, and even a rehearsal space for legendary rock band The Who. But in 2001, the venue was reborn once again, this time as a music venue under the ownership of Charlie Raworth and Emma Hutchinson.
The Edwardian-era building, with its intricate architecture and ornate decorations, provides a stunning backdrop for musicians and offers exceptional natural acoustics. Since its reopening, Bush Hall has hosted a diverse range of acts, from up-and-coming indie bands to established artists.
With its rich history and unique atmosphere, Bush Hall has quickly become a favorite among music lovers in London. Whether you’re looking to discover new talent or catch a show by a well-known artist, it is the hope of benefit organizers that this iconic music venue is captivating audiences for years to come.
The crowdfunding campaign set up in aid of Bush Hall has received an outpouring of support from the music world. Since March of this year it has already raised over $54,000. To contribute click the link below
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/
All three shows are sold out.
Frank Carter with Gallows from their album Grey Britain