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Irish Examiner
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
'Never say never': Glen Matlock on the Sex Pistols reunion, and the John Lydon spat
Sex Pistols bassist and songwriter Glen Matlock is talking about the contradictions he has lived with daily working in the music industry since he was a teenager in the seminal punk band. "For all its socialist principles and high ideals if someone doesn't buy a ticket for your gig; you're nowhere. The world doesn't owe you a living and you have to make your own luck," he explains. The 68-year-old Londoner isn't long back from touring Japan, Australia and New Zealand as part of the Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter on vocals. The lineup features three of the original Pistols that formed almost 50 years ago in August 1975. Joining Matlock on bass are guitarist Steve Jones and drummer Paul Cook. Carter's punk credentials were cemented with Gallows and Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes. "I could be cynical and say we are helping everyone relive their youth but that's not true," explains Matlock. "With Frank being in the band it helps and the music we did is timeless really, we sound like we did years ago." Not surprisingly, original front-man John 'Rotten' Lydon has slammed the reunion. "I am the Pistols and they're not," is Lydon's take on it all. Equally unsurprisingly, Matlock is of a differing opinion. "It was Steve's band. We were all the songwriters and we all did our bit," he says of their string of hits including Anarchy In The UK, God Save The Queen and Pretty Vacant. "It would never have happened without any one of us. The problem is John won't give anyone else any credit which is why we are where we are now. He still can't think it through. But he can do what he likes. He comes across as bitter and twisted while we are all having a laugh, making some good money and sending everyone home with a smile on their face.' So does that mean there will never be another reunion with Johnny Rotten? "Never say never. It's sad the way it's unfolded. Life is short and the hourglass of time is dripping away for us. Who wants to sit at home thinking about what could have been?" Matlock originally left the Pistols to make way for Sid Vicious on bass. While the replacement bassist became a punk icon, especially after his premature death at the age of 21 in February 1979, the band soon imploded. Jones later expressed the opinion that if Matlock had remained in the Pistols they would have made more records. Despite the band's short lifespan, Never Mind The Bollocks Here's The Sex Pistols (1977) remains one of the greatest long-players of all time. The ongoing public interest in the band was clear when the band played shows last August to raise money for Bush Hall in London, saving the venue from closure. Fan reaction and critical acclaim led to the Pistols continuing a live run with Carter on vocals. Matlock often sits outside with a coffee in West London, partly due to the fact he still enjoys a cigarette. "It's not big and it's not clever," he admits. Sometimes his life resembles an episode of celeb comedy show Stella Street. He regularly bumps into fellow residents such as Lulu and Rolling Stone Ron Wood, or is joined by the likes of Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher. "Yeah, I put Weller and Noel on the guest list for the [recent Pistols secret gig] at the 100 Club. I see him and Noel regularly as we live in the same area. I've known Paul since the early days, we all went to see them [The Jam] in Fulham and they came to our gigs.' Matlock has enjoyed a prolific career since originally leaving the Pistols in 1977. He first found success alongside Midge Ure in Rich Kids. Their only album, Ghosts of Princes in Towers, was produced by David Bowie's essential guitarist, co-producer and arranger Mick Ronson. Glen Matlock, left, with other members of the Sex Pistols in 1976: Johnny Rotten, Steve Jones, and Paul Cook. Picture: Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty. "Mick was always taking people under his wing. The music industry is so pushy with everyone trying to climb the greasy pole. Mick was never like that. I don't think he did too bad but he could have been more astute sometimes," says Matlock in reference to Ronson not being properly taken care of for his contribution to such records as Bowie's Life On Mars and Lou Reed's Walk on the Wild Side. The mention of Ronson does bring back a particularly fond memory of an evening out in London with the guitar legend. "We went to down the dogs at Walthamstow [Stadium for greyhound racing]. Mick was unwell and it was really to take his mind off things. We'd laid down our bets, took a seat and the race began, which doesn't take long. Mick then got up and went off; I said: 'Where are you going?' He said: 'That dog on the outside looks good'. He was trying to back it before the end of the race!" Matlock has also enjoyed stints with Iggy Pop, playing on Soldier (1980), and also with The Faces, and Blondie. In 2023-24 he toured Iggy Pop's classic Lust For Life (1977) album with the late Clem Burke. The news of the Blondie drummer's death from cancer in April was a shock. "We've been friends for 50 years," explains Matlock. "It's been weird because he would stay with me whenever he was in London and I would stay at his place in L. A when I was over there. Just wandering around the house [since his death] has been a little bit odd. Clem and I were cut from the same cloth. When Debbie Harry got covid, the dates were postponed and we ended up kicking about New Jersey where he was from and where his old man lived and worked. He had an American version of my upbringing really." Burke was that rare example of someone in the music industry that no one had a bad word to say about, while also being regarded as one of rock'n'roll's greatest drummers. "He was a fantastic showman and drummer. He would also instigate things and make them happen,' adds Matlock. Glen Matlock playing with Blondie. Picture:. 'When I went to America last year he put the band together for me and brought in people like Kathy Valentine [The Go-Gos] and Gilby Clarke [ex-Guns N' Roses].' While Debbie Harry and co have a new album ready to be released, the future is uncertain. "I knew Clem had been ill for a little while and Blondie had been put off, there's a new Blondie album in the can but I don't know what will happen and now the Pistols stuff has come up." Before the Sex Pistols play several dates in the UK and Europe in June, Matlock will be touring with his solo band. His album Consequences Coming and autobiography Triggers: A Life In Music, both released in 2023, were well received. He seems to be a man who rarely rests for long, but admits to being "knackered" after returning from the other side of the world with the Pistols. "This is a good little band. When something like the Pistols happens I have to put my solo work on hold. The Pistols songs are old and I'm always interested in having my new songs on the go," he explains. Is there a chance of new music from the Pistols? 'I don't know but nobody has said 'no',' he explains, adding that the band get along much better than before. 'On tour now we have breakfast together and get on the same flights and trains in Japan and that's quite a novelty since the days of yore. Steve Jones came around my house the other day to watch QPR. I'm a QPR fan. He likes to bet on everything. We got beat so he went home with £10 of mine in his pocket!"
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
John Lydon leaves GMB's Susanna Reid stunned with VERY cheeky remark as Sex Pistols star causes havoc live on air
SEX Pistols star John Lydon left Good Morning Britain anchor Susanna Reid shocked after letting slip a VERY cheeky remark live on-air. The punk rocker, known by his stage name Johnny Rotten, left the ITV presenter, 54, giggling after his impromptu remark centred on his age. 5 John Lydon left Susanna Reid stunned with a VERY cheeky remark on Good Morning Britain Credit: ITV 5 ITV anchor Susanna, 54, was seen giggling at his remark Credit: ITV 5 Johnny found fame as the lead singer of the Sex Pistols Credit: AFP The God Save The Queen hitmaker was on Wednesday's episode of the daytime series to chat about his new spoken word shows. Yet in an unexpected turn, he directed the chat towards his age. Talking of the tour, Good Morning Britain host Ed Balls, 58, asked: "Is there any music in that?" John said: "First I will get the eight months of gigging out of the way, then I'll do the talky tour. "They are very different aspects. "I am only 69 years young and 69 is my favourite position. "So I might as well try all these different things." His cheeky reference to the sex position left Susanna giggling in shock, while co-host Ed Balls could be seen wide-eyed in shock. Ed then said after the comment: I think it's going to be controversial and fabulous." Susanna then added: "Yes, and continues to be gloriously outrageous. John Lydon thank you very much." Sex Pistols John Lydon slams This Morning's Holly and Phil before breaking down in tears One fan was quick to note the awkward moment and posted on X: "His favourite what?!" Another posted: "Well that interview was finished quickly," as a third wrote: "Susanna giggles at the thought of a 69 with Johnny Lydon." One then posted: "John Lydon on #GMB - had to turn the channel, just embarrassing." Yet another took the opposing stance and added: "Love John Lydon a national treasure." Good Morning Britain presenters Current presenters: Susanna Reid (presenters Monday to Wednesday and alternate Thursdays) - 2014 to present Kate Garraway (presenters alternate Thursdays and Fridays) - 2014 to present Martin Lewis (Money Saving Expert) - 2021 to present Richard Madeley (presents Monday to Thursday) - 2022 to present Ed Balls (presents on a rotating basis) - 2022 to present Adil Ray (presents on Fridays) - 2024 to present Robert Rinder (presents on a rotating basis) - 2024 to present Charlotte Hawkins (stand in and holiday cover presenter) 2014 to present Former presenters: Ben Shephard (Thursdays and Fridays) - 2014 to 2024 Sean Fletcher (Monday–Friday) - 2014 John Stapleton (Wednesday) - 2014 Piers Morgan (Monday to Wednesday) - 2015 to 2021 Lorraine Kelly (Monday to Friday) - 2022 John's comment came amid his promotion for his Public Image Ltd tour. He previously told how he didn't think he would tour again after the loss of his wife Nora, aged 80, in 2023. 5 John made a crude remark about the 69 sex position Credit: ITV
The Irish Sun
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
John Lydon leaves GMB's Susanna Reid stunned with VERY cheeky remark as Sex Pistols star causes havoc live on air
SEX Pistols star John Lydon left Good Morning Britain anchor Susanna Reid shocked after letting slip a VERY cheeky remark live on-air. The punk rocker, known by his stage name 5 John Lydon left Susanna Reid stunned with a VERY cheeky remark on Good Morning Britain Credit: ITV 5 ITV anchor Susanna, 54, was seen giggling at his remark Credit: ITV 5 Johnny found fame as the lead singer of the Sex Pistols Credit: AFP The God Save The Queen hitmaker was on Wednesday's episode of the daytime series to chat about his new spoken word shows. Yet in an unexpected turn, he directed the chat towards his age. Talking of the tour, Good Morning Britain host Ed Balls, 58, asked: "Is there any music in that?" read more gmb "They are very different aspects. "I am only 69 years young and 69 is my favourite position. "So I might as well try all these different things." His cheeky reference to the sex position left Susanna giggling in shock, while co-host Ed Balls could be seen wide-eyed in shock. Most read in News TV Ed then said after the comment: I think it's going to be controversial and fabulous." Susanna then added: "Yes, and continues to be gloriously outrageous. John Lydon thank you very much." Sex Pistols John Lydon slams This Morning's Holly and Phil before breaking down in tears One fan was quick to note the awkward moment and posted on X: "His favourite what?!" Another posted: "Well that interview was finished quickly," as a third wrote: "Susanna giggles at the thought of a 69 with Johnny Lydon." One then posted: "John Lydon on #GMB - had to turn the channel, just embarrassing." Yet another took the opposing stance and added: "Love John Lydon a national treasure." Good Morning Britain presenters Current presenters: Susanna Reid (presenters Monday to Wednesday and alternate Thursdays) - 2014 to present Kate Garraway (presenters alternate Thursdays and Fridays) - 2014 to present Martin Lewis (Money Saving Expert) - 2021 to present Richard Madeley (presents Monday to Thursday) - 2022 to present Ed Balls (presents on a rotating basis) - 2022 to present Former presenters: Ben Shephard (Thursdays and Fridays) - 2014 to 2024 Piers Morgan (Monday to Wednesday) - 2015 to 2021 Lorraine Kelly (Monday to Friday) - 2022 John's comment came amid his promotion for his Public Image Ltd tour. He previously told how he didn't think he would tour again after the 5 John made a crude remark about the 69 sex position Credit: ITV 5 John, known as Johnny Rotten, is heading out on a spoken word tour Credit: Getty
Euronews
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Euronews
Too spicy? Spice Girls' ‘Spice Up Your Life' is being censored by UK radio stations
ADVERTISEMENT British national treasures Spice Girls are being censored by radio stations in the UK. You read that correctly. The popular 90s group now joins the likes of Rage Against The Machine – whose 'Killing In The Name Of' refrain ' Fuck you I won't do what you tell me ' was unbroadcastable by many – and the Sex Pistols and their antimonarchist punk anthem 'God Save The Queen' in being censored by certain radio stations. Their hit 1997 song 'Spice Up Your Life' features a line which has been deemed controversial: ' Yellow man in Timbuktu / Colour for both me and you .' Now, 28 years later, radio stations including BBC Radio 2 are playing an amended version of the song with the word 'Yellow' removed. You can expect right-leaning British media to have a field day with this one, with the usual suspects crying foul with headlines like 'Woke brigade at it again' and 'Wokery gone mad'. And * gasp * this time they may have something to sing about. No one has complained about the lyrics, and a music insider told The Sun : 'Spice Up Your Life is a piece of pop music history - it's baffling that the Beeb have decided to censor it. The (band) are singing in celebration of people from all walks of life. It's clumsy but not insulting.' A Radio 2 representative said that the edit was not made by them and other UK stations are also playing an amended version of the song. There were reports in 2019 that the Spice Girls were considering replacing the word 'yellow' with 'happy' for their reunion tour that year. However, this decision was promptly scrapped, and they played the song with the original lyrics. Spice Girls during the Closing Ceremony at the 2012 Summer Olympics AP Photo Spice Girls last had a reunion in 2019, without Posh Spice (Victoria Beckham). The last time they all performed together publicly was at the London Olympics closing ceremony in 2012, and there have been rumours that the group may be reuniting – especially after the members gave a surprise performance of their hit song 'Stop' at Beckham's 50th birthday party last year. So, have you been waiting 28 years to be offended by the 'Spice Up Your Life' lyric too, or do British radio stations have nothing better to do on a Wednesday?
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sex Pistols trio make 'secret' celebratory return to iconic London punk venue 100 Club
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. On September 20, 1976, the Sex Pistols performed at the opening night of the 100 Club Punk Special, a two-night 'festival' showcasing the UK's emerging punk scene, alongside The Clash, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and Subway Sect. Last night, March 21, three of. the original Pistols - guitarist Steve Jones, bassist Glen Matlock, and drummer Paul Cook - returned to the subterranean Oxford Street venue with Frank Carter on vocals, billed as 'The SPOTS' (Sex Pistols On Tour Secretly), the same name the group used for a short UK tour in the summer of 1977. And according to PA News, an exceedingly good time was had by all. Tickets for the 'secret' gig at the 350 capacity club, a warm up show for the quartet's Teenage Cancer Trust performance at London's Royal Albert Hall on March 24, went on sale via a ballot last week, and sold out almost instantly: Paul Weller, Oasis' Noel Gallagher, and Primal Scream's Bobby Gillespie were among those on the guest list. And while John Lydon may have witheringly described the group's return as "karaoke", the reception that the quartet received suggested that there's a genuine appetite and affection for their nostalgic reunion.'It's a pleasure and a privilege to be here with these legends tonight,' Carter told the crowd following the gig's opening one-two punch of Holidays In The Sun, and New York. The band's set also contained classic singles God Save The Queen, Pretty Vacant, and Anarchy In The UK, plus much-loved anthems such as Bodies and EMI. Towards the end of the show, according to PA News, Carter stage-dived into the crowd, before laughingly saying, "Oh fuck, I forgot you're all fucking 60.' The band will open this year's Teenage Cancer Trust week at the Royal Albert Hall on March 24, with support from Kid Kapichi and The Molotovs. "After an incredible 2024, we are itching to get going again this year and what better way than on home territory at a venue that wouldn't have let us near it back in the day!" Steve Jones stated when the show was announced. "Albert will be turning in his tomb. It's an honour to help this great charity." The full list of shows for the 2025 TCT season is:Mar 24: The Sex Pistols feat. Frank Carter, Kid Kapichi, The MolotovsMar 25: Comedy night hosted by Micky FlanaganMar 26: James Arthur plus guests TBAMar 27: The Who, Level 42Mar 28: The Corrs plus guests TBAMar 29: GK Barry with guests TBAMar 30: The Who, Level 42
