The Sex Pistols & Frank Carter Bring 50 Years of Punk to Montreal [Photos]

It seems like it’s been a year of anniversary shows I have been covering. Twenty-fifth anniversary, 30th anniversary, even a 50th anniversary. They serve to remind me of two things. First, I have been listening to some pretty good music for the last half century. Second, I remember the humble beginnings of several of those big anniversary numbers. Meaning, I’m getting old.

Luckily, these shows keep me feeling young. Which is a good thing. Because I had another anniversary show this past Tuesday night. The Sex Pistols, fronted by Frank Carter, were in town, and L’Olympia in Montreal was hosting their “50 Years of Punk Tour.”

The punk rock party got off to a terrific start thanks to Welsh rockers Panic Shack. After limbering up, the guitar attack came fast and furious. “Gok Wan” began their blistering aural assault, and they never let up. “Jui Jits You” was a blast of fun with the band mock-fighting with their guitars. They were obviously having a great time on the stage. They also got the crowd involved, urging them to dance during “Girl Band Starter Pack.”

“Tit School” was a rocking riot, and they finished their set with “Pockets.” It featured the chant “Vape, phone, keys, lip gloss!” By the end of the song, the crowd was yelling it right along with the band. Panic Shack was a terrific discovery. Every song rocked, and they really got the crowd going. Generally, that kind of greatness would earn an A. However, after a quick introduction to “Tit School,” the obvious grade has to be Double D.

Soon afterwards, it was time for the Sex Pistols to hit the stage. There were lots of words, spoken and written, about how a Sex Pistols show without Johnny Rotten fronting the band would go. I wondered this myself. However, any worries were quickly washed away as the band ripped open their set with “Holiday In The Sun.” Frank Carter was great. He didn’t try to imitate Johnny Rotten, but did have some of the same mannerisms and trademark snarl. But it never felt fake or forced. Just natural.

After thrashing around the stage during “Seventeen” and “New York,” he took to the crowd for the next song. Climbing over the barrier, he waded into the middle of the L’Olympia floor. There, he implored the fans to form a circle pit. The trio of Steve Jones, Paul Cook and Glen Matlock were rocking out on the stage. All while their singer belted out “Pretty Vacant” from the middle of the madness. What a moment.

“God Save The Queen” is still powerful after all these years. The “No future!” chants during the chorus made the walls shake. A second circle pit, this one just for the women in the audience, took place during “No Feelings,” giving the ladies a chance to safely enjoy the moment and let loose. Frank Carter began to croon a little of “My Way” before the band tore into the song and finished it their way. The night came to a riotous end with “Anarchy In The U.K.” Both the band and the fans gave every last bit of energy they had left.

When the smoke cleared and the distortion from guitars had faded, the people dragged themselves from the building. Sweating, breathing heavily and probably a little sore. The Sex Pistols may have helped begin the punk rock movement 50 years ago, but their music is still full of piss and vinegar.

I can go back to being a 50-something in the morning. Tonight, I’m back to being a kid and having the time of my life.