THE MOLOTOVS: THE LONDON PUNK RESISTANCE THAT’S SETTING THE WORLD ON FIRE
From Camden to the Global Stage: How This peaceful Riot Is Rewriting the Rules of Rock
London hasn’t seen this kind of raw energy in years. Enter The Molotovs, the ferocious young trio igniting stages with a punk spirit so authentic it echoes through the ghosts of the Sex Pistols, The Clash, and The Libertines, but with a fresh urgency, Gen Z defiance, and a rock ’n’ roll wardrobe sharp enough to slice through time. And guess what? Italy, you need to tune in “this is some real burning punk!”
WHO ARE THE MOLOTOVS?
Born and bred in the grit of North London, Mathew Cartlidge (vocals/guitar) and the sister Issey Cartlidge (bass guitar) have already conquered over 500 live shows and they’re barely out of their teens. They’ve shared the stage with Blondie, The Libertines, and even won the blessing of Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day. Not hype. Not industry fabrication. Just pure, unfiltered, electrifying rock.
PUNK WITH A PURPOSE: SAVING BUSH HALL
Their 2024 headline show at Bush Hall, a historic London venue, wasn’t just another gig, it was a protest, a rally, a cultural act. While others complain about the death of live music, The Molotovs act. They’ve become the unexpected leaders in defending London’s endangered grassroots venues. Punk, in its truest political and social sense, is alive.
“They play like it’s their last night on Earth. And maybe that’s the point.”
— London TV“It’s not a phase. It’s a storm. And they’re the eye of it.”
— Brighton & Hove News
The Molotovs: The Punk Rebirth Italy Didn’t Know It Needed
If you’re longing for the nostalgia of CCCP or the untamed fire of Punkreas, The Molotovs are your call to arms. Not a tribute act, not trend-chasers, they’re the spark the Italian scene desperately needs. Bold, original, and incendiary, they’re made for the main stages of Italy’s best independent festivals. Catch them live with Franz Ferdinand in Sardinia on August 26th, with more Italian dates coming soon.
A NEW ERA WITH MARSHALL RECORDS
In 2025, The Molotovs signed with Marshall Records, the legendary label known for amplifying raw, loud, and iconic sounds. This move marks a new chapter for the band, cementing their position as one of the most promising voices in UK rock today.
Armed with explosive riffs and bulletproof songwriting, The Molotovs have already made waves across the UK. Their second release, “Today’s Gonna Be Our Day” (out June 20th), marks the next step in their rapid ascent. From tearing up the stage at 2000 Trees Festival to gearing up for a U.S. tour with The Sex Pistols this September, they’re not slipping in, they’re kicking the doors down.
WHY NZIRIA MAGAZINE LOVES THEM
At NZIRIA, we don’t just chase trends. We celebrate revolutions. And The Molotovs? They’re not a revival. They’re a rebirth. A necessary explosion in an industry that too often plays it safe.
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Written by NZIRIA TEAM MAGAZINE
