Sex Pistols – Live Review – The Piece Hall, Halifax
By Kirsty Masterman, July 2026
Over the years, Halifax has been home to plenty of wild nights out. I should know, having grown up here. Tonight however, it was the turn of 70’s punk band The Sex Pistols (or a version of) to tear up the town and bring their own form of anarchy to the much-loved music venue, The Piece Hall.
As the crowd milled about pre-gig, there was a real sense of anticipation in the air. This wasn’t just another concert, it was an event that people had been looking forward to for months. Fans of all ages were stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their vividly coloured mohicans, retro band t-shirts and sloganned tops. My eyes darted from one side of the courtyard to the other as I felt like I’d been transported back to 1977.
Panic Shack and The Undertones opened the show with impressive performances and sets so loud I could feel the beat pounding in my chest. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the acoustics at this venue are insane…and loud! They certainly set the stage and got the audience hyped for the headline act.
“Less anarchy and more rock”
It’s 50 years since The Sex Pistols exploded into the world. 50 years! Back then, they were a force to be reckoned with, and as far as I know, there was nobody or nothing else like them.
Now, half a century later, they are still making waves, which, considering they only have one album to their name, Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols, all of which gets aired tonight, is no mean feat. Ask anybody and they are sure to have heard of them, even if they can’t name any of their songs. Nowadays however, there is less anarchy and more rock with a glint of rebellion in their eye.
Originally made up of Johnny Rotten, John Lydon, Steve Jones, Paul Cook and Glen Matlock – replaced by Sid Vicious in early 1977, the group disbanded on Christmas Day 1977, playing their final UK gig at a venue just down the road from here at Ivanhoe’s in Huddersfield (now Lidl). Now, a couple of years on from Jones, Cook and Matlock deciding the world needed a reminder of what real punk is, Frank Carter has been brought in as guest vocalist.
“Explosive opener”
Not fancying the mosh pit, I’m watching this one from the sidelines tonight. So, when Steve Jones, Paul Cook, Glen Matlock and new frontman Frank Carter amble on to the stage, and I can already see the beer being tossed, a sense of relief sweeps over me knowing I’d dodged a soaking.
‘Holidays in the Sun’ – quite apt for this evening – provides an explosive opener, before ‘Seventeen’ and ‘New York’, all of which are delivered with such an intensity, I find myself immediately swept up in the energy of everyone around me.
It’s not long before Carter orders Halifax to “Open up the dance floor for me. I want to see the biggest and oldest average age circle pit In Halifax”. At which point, he puts himself amongst a thrilled crowd to belt out a powerful rendition of ‘Pretty Vacant’.
“What a beautiful venue”, Carter tells the crowd as the band continue to go full throttle through a set loaded with 70s punk classics, including ‘Bodies’, ‘(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone’, ‘Liar’ and ‘God Save the Queen’ – the one-time Establishment-baiting anthem.
“Fuelled the crowd”
Being the ‘new’ guy in town, Carter certainly puts his stamp on things – admirably not once trying to imitate Johnny Rotten. Instead, he makes each song his own, his vocals carrying enough attitude to keep the songs edgy, leaving Jones and Matlock to keep the original Sex Pistols sound alive.
Carter introduces the iconic trio beside him, before Jones turns to introduce Carter, aka “Frankie Baby”, adding, “I don’t know about you, but this sounds like rock ‘n’ roll to me. It’s a dying ******* breed, so enjoy it while it ******* lasts”.
This just fuelled the crowd even more as ‘No Feelings’, ‘Problems’, ‘EMI’ and the ballad ‘My Way’ got underway.
“Slightly chaotic”
Tonight was turning out to be an evening full of banter, shouting, conviction and passion reminiscent of the original era of punk, as the band hurtle towards their most famous song and the final song of the evening, ‘Anarchy in the UK’, which brings with it the loudest reaction of the night.
It might not have been the melodic singalong this venue has been used to hearing over the past few weeks, nor was there much arm swaying – more chanting and fist pumping – but there were certainly singalongs a plenty.
It may have been slightly more ordered and less anarchic than in their previous incarnation, but it was still a loud, slightly chaotic, carefree and unforgettable evening. Everything a punk rock concert should be.
The energy was still there by both the band and the audience and that’s what matters, proving that the raw spirit of punk still has plenty of life left in it.
I think it’s safe to say, that this is one of the most explosive gigs The Piece Hall has ever seen and one that they will struggle to repeat any time soon.
Images: Cuffe & Taylor
After studying English and Creative Writing at university, Kirsty started working as an editor for PA Media way back in 2003, joining On Yorkshire in 2023. With a passion for travel and writing, the chance to combine the two became a reality for her in 2010 when she was offered the chance to visit Portugal to review a new resort. Since then, she has never looked back. Live music, theatre and restaurant reviews followed enabling her to combine all her interests. Kirsty now travels the world, reviewing some of the best hotels, restaurants and travel destinations. She particularly enjoys seeking out child-friendly places so that she can showcase destinations and experiences that can be enjoyed by parents alongside their children.
