Matlock, Glen Matlock
Glen Matlock is not only by far the most well-aged member of the Sex Pistols, but he’s also an inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and sort of like the James Bond of rock and roll with a distinctive blend of style, talent, and charm. Matlock's influence extends beyond his punk rock roots, as he’s demonstrated remarkable versatility across various musical genres.
Following the Sex Pistols, Matlock founded the Rich Kids and made substantial contributions to the Iggy Pop album "Soldier" and its accompanying tour. His collaborations are extensive: he has played with renowned figures such as Mick Jones of the Clash, Mike Peters of The Alarm, Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet, Walter Lure of the Heartbreakers, and Slim Jim Phantom of Stray Cats. Notably, his enduring partnership with Clem Burke of Blondie, considered one of the most important drummers in history, has yielded some truly incredible moments in rock history.
Matlock's contributions include the formation of bands like Glen Matlock and the Philistines, the Specters, Dead Men Walking, and The International Swingers. His current project, “Consequences Coming” stands as a testament to his ongoing impact and dedication to music. Glen was gracious enough to make time for an interview before his show with the Maestros (Gilby Clark of Guns and Roses on lead guitar, Steve Fishman bassist extraordinaire, and the living legend Clem Burke on drums) at the world-famous Alex’s Bar in Long Beach California.
Steve Fishman and Glen Matlock at Alex’s Bar. All Photos ©dickslaughter,com
Dick: How many bands are you in right now?
Glen: Well, of course, The Maestros and Blondie. We've got the Lust for Life tour coming up as well.
Dick: Are you married? Do you have kids?
Glen: I am not married; my children are adults now. I’m not married anymore.
Dick: If you could play with any band, who would it be?
Glen: Well, it happened at Brixton Academy in London. I got to play with the Faces. It was incredible. I mean, Rod didn’t do it, but it was the Faces. I used to sing those songs in the mirror when I was a kid.
Dick: Do you have any good stories from the Iggy Pop Soldier tour?
Glen: So many, but my favorite, I think, is when we played New York on Halloween. It was my first time in New York, and it was Halloween. We didn’t know about Halloween in England, I am from a small village it was crazy to me all the people had costumes on. Then Debbie Harry just showed up dressed as a witch and kissed me on the cheek. It was one of the best nights of my life.
Dick: How many black suits do you own?
Glen: I need a new one actually; I noticed I have quite a scuff on one. I am on the lookout for a good suit shop.
Dick: Dogs or Cats?
Glen: Oh, definitely cats! I am much more of a cat person. I don’t have any because I am always on tour. Clem has three cats.
Dick: Any chance of another Rich Kids reunion or re-issuing the records?
Glen: Actually, they were reissued last Record Store Day. Not only were they re-issued, but we remastered them. We will be playing some Rich Kids tonight.
Dick: Huh, I can’t believe I missed that one. Were they limited or just in the UK?
Glen: I’m not really sure, but they are available somewhere.
Dick: What is in your pockets?
Glen: My pockets? Well, I have a pack of English cigarettes. And that reminds me – never buy silver rim readers; once you put them down, they are invisible, and you can’t see them. I can’t find mine and I am hoping they are in the lining of my jacket.
Dick: Have you ever been arrested?
Glen: Yes, but I prefer not to go into that. Silly mistakes of youth, mistakes of drunken youth.
Dick: Where is the worst place you have ever played?
Glen: The worst place, huh? Well, I would have to say I got or learned something from every place I’ve played.
Dick: Do you think Tom Wilcox of Maniac Squat is as big of a bastard as everyone says?
Glen: Bigger. Much Bigger.
Dick: Any words for John Lydon?
Glen: No, none at all.
Dick: What did you think of Generation Sex (Steve Jones and Paul Cook doing Sex Pistols songs with Tony James of Generation X on bass and Billy Idol on vocals)? I saw the Dog Day afternoon show with Iggy and you in Blondie.
Glen: I arrived a little late because it was Pride in London and everything was shut down. I could hear the band, so I made my way to the side of the stage. I thought I had Steve’s eye, and just as they let out “AND WE DON’T CARE!” I gave him one of these (makes the international motion with his hand for masturbating). It turned out Steve didn’t see me, but some bloke in the front saw me and took a photo and put it up on Twitter saying there is no need for that, Glen. (laughs)
Dick: I think Billy made the right decision singing the songs his way. If he had any of those inflections in his voice, people would tear him up on the internet.
Glen: Yeah, it was ok. Yeah, you have to make it your own. It’s like with Katie and Lust for Life. She's a woman; it’s not going to be like Iggy. She does it her way, and it’s terrific that way.
Dick: What is your favorite color?
Glen: Dirty Orange.
As for the show, Alex's was sold out. I saw many of the who's who of the So-Cal geriatric punk scene. Needless to say, it was not a smash-the-stage-everywhere-is-a-slam-pit kind of crowd. It was more of a "Hey, I am sitting there" kind of crowd throughout the opening acts. But all that changed as soon as Clem sat down at his kit. Everyone got up, and no one was on the patio anymore. Glen took to the stage with ringing cheers from the crowd. It was pretty thrilling to see and hear Glen and the Maestros in such an intimate venue. They gave the same show as if they were playing in an arena. Not only did Glen deliver on some Rich Kids, but some Small Faces and Sex Pistols as well, along with originals. There wasn’t a dud in the set.
As the final chords echoed, I think there was a collective realization that this was more than just another concert; it was a celebration of a musical legacy. Glen and the Maestros had not only met but far exceeded my expectations, leaving the audience and myself with a night that will be etched in our memories.
See Glen and Clem with Katie Puckrik and Kevin Armstrong on the Lust For Life Tour in the Uk or with The Maestros on Tour with STIFF LITTLE FINGERS and of course with Blondie. Glen will also be a tour guide at the Las Vegas Punk Rock Museum on February 5th & 6th
Glen Matlock at Alex’s Bar-All Photos ©dickslaughter,com
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