Sex Pistols Frontman Confronts Man in Women-Only Mosh Pit

Sex Pistols vocalist Frank Carter confronted and had a male concertgoer removed from the stage during a Friday night performance at the Ogden Theatre in Denver for entering a mosh pit designated exclusively for women. The incident occurred before the band played their song "No Feelings."

From the stage, Carter, 42, addressed the man directly, questioning his presence in the women-only area. "Every time, there’s always a f–king man that tells me, ‘(Women) can do this all the f–king time.’ Like, they can’t. They f–king can’t," Carter shouted, according to fan-recorded video. He explained that men entering these spaces often lead to women being injured by "an elbow to the head by a f–king idiot."

When the concertgoer appeared to react dismissively, Carter intensified his criticism. "You’re shaking your head like you’re a f — king woman? Are you f–king stupid? It’s not your lived experience, so just shut the f–k up!" Carter exclaimed. "Do you know what, instead of crouching, just f–king leave, bro!"

Carter reiterated that the exclusive space is intended to provide women with a safer environment to participate in moshing without feeling intimidated or crowded. "How is it so difficult for you to see space made for women at a Sex Pistols gig? Did you decide? No!" he stated. "They can’t f–king do this whenever. Ask any one of them if they feel safe in every mosh pit!"

The singer then called for security to escort the man from the venue, telling him he could address the situation after the concert.

Following the incident, Carter posted a series of Instagram Stories to address the controversy. He asserted that any man offended by the creation of a women-only mosh pit is "PART OF THE PROBLEM." He advised such individuals to "Stay home, read a book by Bell hooks, come back when kindness, compassion and empathy have landed with you," adding that "incels, homophobes, misogynists, racists, fascists" were not welcome and that the matter was "not up for debate."

Carter clarified that the designated area is also inclusive of transgender individuals, explaining, "When I say a Ladies only moshpit pit. I of course mean a trans inclusionary space. The space is for people who don’t usually feel safe." He urged fans not to let such incidents divide them and emphasized the importance of creating spaces where individuals can "dance and have fun without the worry of physical, sexual or psychological violence being used against them while they are vulnerable."

Carter also shared a message from the father of the concertgoer, who apologized for his son's actions, attributing them to "misinformation" and the "poison that has been spewed" across the country. The father expressed pride in how his daughters reacted to his son's behavior and stated he had watched the women enjoy themselves from the balcony during the show, noting the positive impact such encouragement can have.

The Sex Pistols are currently on a North American tour to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their 1977 album, "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols." Carter joined the reunited band as lead singer in 2024, replacing original frontman John Lydon. The current lineup includes original members Steve Jones on guitar, Glen Matlock on bass, and Paul Cook on drums.