Support came from Stiff Little Fingers. No further mention will be made of them.

The large black cavern that is Hall 4 of the SECC was filled with quite a strange mix of people: from those probably not even born when the Pistols were at their height; to those who must have been about thirtysomething at the time. A large percentage of the crowd however, judging from their age, looked to be the Pistols' original fans. This section of the audience itself was split into two factions: the first being those who were once punks and - judging by polo shirts, metal-framed glasses and bald spots - had since settled down. The second part of this section also consisted of those who were once punks: and who still were. Proof that - for some at least - human evolution came to a sudden and rather messy stop sometime around 1977.

Prior to the Pistols appearing, a selection of cheesy 70s disco tunes were played over the PA, causing equal amounts of amusement and derision. If nothing else, this choice of music did serve to remind everyone why punk happened: as a direct knee-jerk reaction to some of the worst excesses of that now fondly-remembered decade. When the music stopped and the lights went out, the phrase 'the crowd goes wild' had obviously been invented for that moment. An incredible surge of excited and intoxicated (mainly male) people pushed towards the stage, taking no prisoners. Although intending to watch from a relatively sedate and safe distance, I found myself instead 5 rows from the front of the stage. Ah well, that's punk...

Then they were there. Drummer Paul Cook appeared first, close-cropped hair and jeans and t-shirt. From the sublime to the ridiculous then: Steve Jones strode on wearing a leather waistcoat and shiny leopard-skin loon pants. Glen Matlock then followed, looking the fittest and youngest of the three so far. Then: all stand for King Johnny. Hair spiked up into a crown with six-inch points, John(ny) Rotten/Lydon appeared, sneering and staring with that familiar hilarious and menacing manner. "We're here because we love you...", the infamous voice snarled; then the intro to "Bodies" smashed out of the speakers and mayhem ensued.

Having heard the radio recording of their recent London gig, the competence and ability of the music being played on stage did not come as too much of a surprise. Had I not heard this, and had based my premises on live recordings from 20 years ago, I would have sworn they were miming. Obviously, the Pistols have learned how to play - as well they should in 20 years! The sound was amazing: loud, anthemic and - without a doubt - Punk. These were the songs that defined the genre. As the audience swept around the floor like some small and rather nasty tornado, masterful renditions of "Pretty Vacant", "Holidays In The Sun" and all the other tracks from "Never Mind..." assaulted us, grabbing us by the throats and shaking us about until we were exhausted. All the time, the charismatic Rotten played the crowd like a master, Jones also adding some ribald comments and behaviour - the jester to Rotten's king. After each song finished I told myself I would retreat from the front and watch from afar: then a familiar classic intro started - such as "EMI" or "Liar" - and I was back in the midst again. Two encores including "Anarchy In The UK" and "No Fun" - during which Jones played with the back of his trousers pulled down (the witty rascal) - and it would have been a very fit punk indeed that could have lasted out for more. Outstanding.

No question then about the quality of the gig and the musical ability of the band: the question remains as to whether they were right to come back in the first place. Was it a 'punk' thing to do? In my opinion, the only people that are entitled to answer that are the Pistols themselves. In fact, by reforming in the face of such criticism and precious dismay, they are being more punk than if they had remained doing what they were. And they never denied that their prime motive was money: it was not named the "Filthy Lucre" tour for nothing.

Punk is still dead; but the hilarious and vital circus that is the Sex Pistols will not be buried.