Sex Pistols Filthy Lucre Tour: The Controversial 1996 Reunion
The Sex Pistols are perhaps the most notorious name in punk rock history. After a brief but explosive career in the 1970s that challenged the British establishment, the band vanished from the spotlight for nearly two decades. However, in 1996, the original lineup returned for a global tour that was as much about financial gain as it was about music. Known as the Filthy Lucre tour, this reunion remains one of the most debated chapters in rock history.
The Road to Reunion
The original chaos began in December 1976 when the band—consisting of Johnny Rotten, Steve Jones, Paul Cook, and Glen Matlock—appeared on Bill Grundy's Today programme. Following this, manager Malcolm McLaren replaced Matlock with Sid Vicious in February 1977. This lineup produced the landmark album Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols and the provocative single "God Save the Queen." The band collapsed in January 1978 after a final show at the Winterland Ballroom.
For years, John Lydon (formerly Johnny Rotten) refused to perform the band's material. It wasn't until after the publication of his 1994 autobiography, Rotten: No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs, that Lydon mellowed toward the idea of a reunion. In the summer of 1995, arrangements began to bring the four original members—including Glen Matlock—back together.
The reunion was officially announced on March 18, 1996, during a tense press conference. The band made no secret of their mutual dislike or their motivations, with Lydon candidly stating that their "common cause" was "your money." The tour's name, "Filthy Lucre," was borrowed from a Daily Express headline that questioned if punk was simply a pursuit of wealth.
Key Facts
- Original Lineup: Johnny Rotten, Steve Jones, Paul Cook, and Glen Matlock.
- Tour Name: Filthy Lucre, named after a tabloid headline.
- Primary Motivation: Financial gain, as openly admitted by the band.
- Live Release: The Finsbury Park performance was released as Filthy Lucre Live, reaching number 26 on the UK Albums Chart.
- Notable Incidents: Banned from Ireland due to "blasphemous content" and bottled off stage at the Roskilde Festival.
Tour Performances and Setlists
The band did not write new material for the tour. Instead, they relied on their existing discography and added covers of "Substitute" (The Who), "No Fun" (The Stooges), and "(I'm Not Your) Steppin' Stone" (The Monkees). Rehearsals were held at Lydon's home in Los Angeles before the tour kicked off in Finland and Germany.
One of the most significant dates was at Finsbury Park, where they were supported by a diverse array of acts including Iggy Pop, the Buzzcocks, and Skunk Anansie. Because the band had split up in the 70s before they could play stadiums, the 1996 tour saw them performing in significantly larger venues than they ever had during their prime.
The tour was not without conflict. In Denmark, the band left the stage after only eighteen minutes at the Roskilde Festival after being pelted with bottles. Additionally, the band was banned from performing in Belfast and Dublin on the grounds of "blasphemous content," leading them to replace those dates with a show at Shepherd's Bush Empire.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Reunion Year | 1996 |
| Original Members | Lydon, Jones, Cook, Matlock |
| Key Live Album | Filthy Lucre Live (UK #26) |
| Notable Covers | The Who, The Stooges, The Monkees |
| Major Venues | Finsbury Park, Roseland Ballroom, Hollywood Palladium |
Critical Reception and Aftermath
Critics were largely divided, with many early reviews being scathing. David Sinclair of The Times described the performance as a "pantomime," while the NME labeled the band "bloated, dilapidated dinosaurs." Robert Hilburn of the Los Angeles Times mockingly referred to them as the "Cap Pistols," criticizing Lydon's physical condition and eccentric stage outfits.
However, some critics found value in the nostalgia. Jon Pareles of The New York Times noted that Lydon sang with a bitterness and defiance that felt authentic. The live album Filthy Lucre Live received more favorable treatment; The Independent praised its drive and anger, and Robert Christgau called it a rare live album with "a life of its own."
The tour also left a complicated legacy regarding the treatment of supporting acts. Skin, the frontwoman of Skunk Anansie, later criticized the tour in a 2019 NME interview, citing the racism she faced from audiences and Lydon's failure to address the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the tour called "Filthy Lucre"?
The name was taken from a Daily Express tabloid headline ("Punk? Call It Filthy Lucre") that appeared after the band's 1976 appearance on the Today programme. The band used the name to openly acknowledge that the reunion was motivated by money.
Who was in the band for the 1996 reunion?
The reunion featured the four original members: Johnny Rotten (John Lydon), Steve Jones, Paul Cook, and Glen Matlock. Sid Vicious, who had replaced Matlock in 1977, was not part of the reunion as he died in 1979.
Did the Sex Pistols record any new songs for the tour?
No new material was written. The band performed their original hits and several cover songs by artists such as The Who, The Stooges, and The Monkees.
Why were the Sex Pistols banned from Ireland?
The band's scheduled performances in Belfast and Dublin were cancelled after they were banned from the country due to the "blasphemous content" of their act.
How did critics react to the reunion?
Initial reactions were mostly negative, with critics calling the band "dinosaurs" and comparing the shows to cabaret. However, some later reviews and the live album were praised for their energy and raw sound.