There was another big event on this evening, England's World Cup Quarter Final game against Norway, kicking off at 10 pm. So, after a little intervention by Glen Matlock, the Pistols set was brought forward to finish in time for the kick-off, and the match would now be shown on the big screen at the back of the stage. Not only did you get to see the Sex Pistols but also the England game in the company of thousands of Pistols fans. It would prove quite an evening.

The Pistols themselves were a powerhouse of magnificence. You all know the set, from Holidays In The Sun through to Anarchy In The UK, it never lets up. The most striking thing was the pleasure Steve (in England away shirt), Glen and Paul bring to the crowd. There's no tension or murmurs of discontent, it is a celebration. Of course nostalgia has a huge part to play, but anyone new to the band would have been swept away in the euphoria. Sure, there is no John leading the line, but after two years of Frank Carter fronting the Pistols with his own brand of good natured energy and enthusiasm, there can be few complaints. He never hides the fact that he's the luckiest man in punk rock land, he never lets his standards dip. The Pretty Vacant circle pit is a set highlight and I'm never quite sure how Frank emerges unscathed, but he does. It's tempting to say the band were tight, but that sounds like a lazy cliche. They are so in-tune with one another, no matter what the song, it's second nature. What a band.

The only stressful element to the event was the England game, and for once not even our football team could spoil the occasion.

Then it was time for Dr John Cooper Clarke to walk on stage once again, to introduce the Sex Pistols. Early publicity for the show drew on the link with the first gigs the Pistols played in Manchester, 50 years ago. On the day, it didn't feel like a history lesson or a spot of mild reminiscing. It felt now and it felt real. Furthermore, in the great outdoors it felt invigorating. Like the previous night, the crowd were here in numbers and, with England's victory at the forefront of many minds, they were going to party. The place ignited from the off. The faces of the punters told the story. The band were on it and relaxed, enjoying each other's company and the connection with the fans. I'll mention the paring of No Fun and No Feelings as sounding particularly fine. Likewise, some of the crazy punters were memorable, into which Frank disappeared yet again. Towards the end of the show, the crowd began to sing their appreciation of Frank, he'd won over the doubters in Manchester. Deservedly so, his energy levels were off the scale.

So thanks to Glen Matlock, Paul Cook, Steve Jones, and yes, Frank Carter, 50 years on and the legacy is alive and thriving. If only all summers could be this sublime. God Save the Sex Pistols.

Review by Phil Singleton
All photographs © Phil Singleton 11th and 12th July 2026