Former SEX PISTOLS frontman John Lydon has publicly criticized the band's 2024 reunion tour featuring Frank Carter of GALLOWS and THE RATTLESNAKES, calling the lineup a "karaoke" act that undermines the original identity of the group. The tour, which began in September 2024 after three fundraising shows at London's Bush Hall in August, does not include Lydon, who has been estranged from the band since the release of a Hulu miniseries based on Steve Jones's memoir "Lonely Boy". The reunion features guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook, and bassist Glen Matlock, who was originally kicked out of the band and replaced by Sid Vicious. The tour has since expanded to include shows across Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

In a February 2025 interview, Lydon stated that the absence of his vocals and creative vision from the band's performances trivializes the original legacy of SEX PISTOLS. Despite his strong opposition, Steve Jones has expressed respect for Lydon and emphasized that the new lineup, particularly Frank Carter, brings a fresh energy and rock and roll sensibility. Jones described Carter as a "real pro" with a strong voice and a different energy compared to the original members. The tour continues as a standalone project under the name SEX PISTOLS FEATURING FRANK CARTER, with no official confirmation of future shows or a permanent lineup.

Lydon has not participated in any official activities related to the tour, and his criticism remains a central point of public discourse around the band's current iteration. The reunion marks the first time since the original band's dissolution in the 1980s that the group has performed under this configuration. No official release date or full itinerary has been announced beyond the tour's geographical scope. The band's decision to proceed without Lydon has sparked debate over the authenticity and integrity of punk rock legacy.

No further updates on the tour have been confirmed by the band or its label.