SEX PISTOLS FT FRANK CARTER @ DREAMLAND | 23/08/2025

From the moment the queue began to form, there was a buzz in the air—an electric mix of anticipation and nostalgia. Fans of all ages gathered with a shared energy. Despite the rebellious legacy of the Sex Pistols fronted by Frank Carter, the atmosphere was electric, warm and friendly. 

Dreamland:  

Its vibrant seaside setting and charm, Dreamland, paved the perfect backdrop for a night of punk-fueled chaos, with the crowd's anticipation blooming, there was a strong sense of unity amongst everyone. The Security was visible yet approachable, maintaining order without killing the vibe. At the same time, the venue itself was well-organised, offering a decent spread of food and drinks. However, a little pricey Dreamland created a perfect atmosphere showcasing a venue that's both crowd-conscious and character-rich, making it an ideal stage for a band as iconic and unpredictable as the Sex Pistols. 

Starting the day, we had The Buzzcocks:  

Set list: What do I get? Promises, why can't I touch it? Ever Fallen In love (With Someone You shouldn't), Harmony in my head, Orgasm Addict  

The Buzzcocks kicked the day off with their song, "What Do I Get?"  and they had everyone singing and dancing from the start. It was clear that the band was just as thrilled to be there as the audience was to see them, complemented with their frontman Steve Diggle's joyful performance, bouncing between songs with warmth, humour, and genuine gratitude the whole bands performance was tight, energetic and outstanding that instantly connected with the crowd. 

The real crowd pleaser was "Ever Fallen In love (With Someone You shouldn't)" and the crowd went wild from front to back. Every person in the crowd was singing and dancing, and it was a beautiful sight to see. They didn't just warm up the crowd; they lit the fuse. With a sound that's as sharp as ever, The Buzzcocks set the tone for the rest of the day, creating the perfect lead-in to The Stranglers. 

With the crowd already buzzing, The Stranglers were up next:  

Set list: Toiler on the Sea, Duchess, Nice' n' Sleazy, Skin Deep, Always the Sun, Peaches, Breathe, Golden brown, (Get a) Grip (On Yourself), White Stallion, Hanging Around, Relentless, Tank, No More Heroes. 

The Stranglers wasted no time diving into their catalogue of hits, delivering a set that blended grit and elegance that made every track land perfectly. Whether it was the groove of Peaches or the beauty of Golden Brown, there was no escape of their infectious sound.  

Unforgettable singles such as  "Always the Sun." created an unforgettable moment when the chords hit a wave of voices and emotion rippled through the crowd, seeing thousands of people singing together under the sky was one of those spine-tingling moments where the barriers between stage and audience melt away; for that one moment, it felt like everyone was part of something bigger and with that kind of unity and energy in the air, The Stranglers didn't just keep the day rolling they elevated it.  

The Sex Pistols with Frank Carter:  

Set list: Holidays in the Sun," "Seventeen," "New York," "Bodies," "Pretty Vacant," "Silly Thing," "Problems," the Stooges cover "No Fun," "No Feelings," "Liar," and "God Save the Queen 

As the sky darkened and the crowd roared and the Sex Pistols took the stage by storm! With dazzling yellow and pink lights, matching the "Never Mind The bollox" album created bold backdrops and the atmosphere instantly shifted from excitement to pure, unfiltered punk energy. 

The Pistols brought exactly what you'd hope for: raw, raucous, and unapologetic anarchy. Yet beneath this punk attitude and explosive sound, there was a surprising sense of care and connection between the band and the crowd. Frank Carter was nothing short of a phenomenal and unstoppable force who managed to channel the spirit of the original Pistols while bringing his own fire and punk style. Between thrashing anthems, he kept a close eye on the pit, stopping the show when needed to ensure fans exited safely, asking Security to assist where necessary, and making sure everyone was having a good time without incident.  

Standout tracks such as Pretty Vacant, God Save the Queen, and Anarchy in the U.K. hit like grenades, igniting the crowd in waves of pure adrenaline. Fans were going crazy and hanging on to every word and completely losing themselves in the moment. It felt less like watching a band and more like being part of a living, breathing explosion of music, rebellion and creativity. 

As the final notes rang out and the lights dimmed on an unforgettable night, it was clear that this wasn't just another gig—it was a celebration of punk in all its raw, defiant glory. From The Buzzcocks' crowd-warming opening set to The Stranglers' unifying, spine-tingling sing-alongs, and the Sex Pistols' explosive headline performance led by the unstoppable Frank Carter, every moment felt like part of something bigger. Dreamland proved to be the perfect setting, welcoming, well-run, and electric with energy. 

From beginning to end, there is an overwhelming sense of community in the air. Whether it was strangers dancing side by side, fans helping each other out in the pit, or voices rising together under the night sky, the day reminded everyone why live music matters and the proof we needed that punk still pulses with life, rebellion, and heart.  

⭐ Rating: 9.5/10 – A powerful, unforgettable celebration of punk spirit, unity, and pure live energy.