Green Day lead singer, Armstrong, performs with Sex Pistols at Norway festival

Billie Joe Armstrong teamed up with Sex Pistols and Frank Carter at Norway’s Tons of Rock Festival on June 26, delivering an electrifying performance of the punk classic “Anarchy in the U.K.” The collaboration took place during the final act of the Sex Pistols’ set in Oslo, captivating the audience with their dynamic stage presence. Armstrong and Carter intertwined arms, leading the crowd through a raucous rendition of the iconic song, sending fans into a frenzy of excitement.

John Lydon expressed initial frustration upon learning that the Sex Pistols were embarking on a tour without him, fearing that the essence and significance of the band would be lost. The convergence of different punk rock generations on stage at the festival represented a rare and momentous occasion. Armstrong acknowledged the profound impact of the Sex Pistols on his own music, citing “Never Mind The Bollocks” as one of the first punk albums that deeply resonated with him.

The core lineup of the Sex Pistols, consisting of Steve Jones, Glen Matlock, and Paul Cook, with Carter taking on lead vocals, continues to uphold the band’s legacy. They are set to embark on a U.S. tour starting September 16 in Dallas, with their final show scheduled for October 17 in Las Vegas. Muse headlined the main stage at Tons of Rock, which featured performances by renowned bands such as Avenged Sevenfold, Megadeth, Dream Theater, and Weezer.

Following their performance, Armstrong was spotted poring over the Sex Pistols’ setlist while engaged in conversation with Carter. An Instagram post from a fan likened the collaboration to a punk rock version of the treaty of Versailles, illustrating the historic and impactful nature of the event. The fusion of punk rock luminaries from different eras on stage created a palpable sense of unity and shared musical heritage among performers and fans alike.