Latest news with #Pistols
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Never mind the Horlicks, here's the punk rock pensioners Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistol were once simpatico with Roger Daltrey for heaven's sake, in that he hoped to be in Heaven before he got old. Now, this band of superannuated cap-sleeved rockers are set to rock up once again. Is it wrong? Sid Vicious is long dead and John Lydon is not coming to Bellahouston bash (Image: free) John Lydon thinks so. Indeed, Lydon is angry (no change there) that the Pistols have reformed. 'They've killed the content, or done their best to,' maintains the singer and songwriter, 'and turned the whole thing into a rubbish, childishness, and that's unacceptable.' The former Mr Rotten, who fought a high-profile court battle against the rest of the band in a bid to stop their songs being used in a Disney+ series, Pistol, adds: "I don't mean to be digging them out, it's not their fault that they're talentless and can't f****** move on, is it?' John Lydon is arguing that his former bandmates have sold out. Yet weren't the Sex Pistols a sell-out right from the start? The original band were never short of the sweary words your Auntie Cissie would find shocking, and to coincide with the Queen's Jubilee released God Save the Queen and sang of a fascist regime. But these skinny young guys were never really heavy weight anarchists. Pierre Joseph Proudhon most certainly won't be spinning in his plot right now. Read more And to quote Bernie Taupin, it's a little bit funny that the band were described as anti-establishment rebels, given that they were essentially a collection of Vivien Westwood models, a Malcolm McLaren-engineered prefabricated boy band in the same vein as Monkees - albeit without the songwriting skills of a Neil Diamond, or the willingness to use shampoo. The Sex Pistols too wore matching (of sorts) outfits. And when they first played live, they actually covered the Monkees' Steppin' Stone. Yet, there are real arguments for going along to see this latest version of the band. Although they sold pound-shop nihilism to young people (while being backed by a corporately astute management) and their politics were performative, nevertheless, they sold hope. There's no doubt the Sex Pistols were rockets (in every sense of the word) playing damp warehouse-dump-created music which they sent into the stratosphere. There is also no doubt they revealed the perfect energy antidote to the tired glam rock and disco of the day. The Sex Pistols' three chord and a sneer simplicity was so clever that the band proved the inspiration for a range of followers, such as the Clash, Buzzcocks, Green Day and Nirvana. John Lydon (Image: free) Sure, the Pistols made only one album, but in a very short time proved that you don't have to have the musical skills of Elton or Bowie to become a chart success. They may have lacked melody, structure and they were thrashers, producing anything as loud as you would hear on a farm. But that was all a positive, the perfect reaction to the crushing political reality of the mid Seventies. On a more prosaic level, is it wrong to take the sound of a generation and play it again 50 years on? Where is the relevance? What's wrong with wrinklies taking to the stage? Has anyone really demanded that Mick Jagger and co lie down in the showbiz retirement home in North London and take to watching reruns of the Old Grey Whistle Test on iPlayer? No. It's the same for other legacy bands such as The Who and the likes of Van Morrison and Dylan. And Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits, the pop daddy of them all. Who's to say there's an upper age limit on leather jackets? And who's to say that angry young men who grow to be angry old men are pointless? Isn't there even more to mump about today than in the Seventies, when hospital waiting times were measured in days rather than months, when Coronation Street was still half decent and you could buy a Hillman Avenger for about a grand. The Pistols, back in the day (Image: free) And wouldn't Dylan Thomas have had the Sex Pistols in mind if were he writing today, suggesting the Glasgow gig to be right and proper, and possibly lots of fun, that they should indeed 'rage, rage against the dying of the light.' Sure, the Pistols are now half-cocked, and their 60 and 70-something knees won't stand up too much pogo-ing. But they will surely bring a younger audience to the party. And even superannuated pseudo anarchists still need a reason to get out of bed in the morning. The Sex Pistols, Bellahouston Park, June 21, Glasgow, supported by The Stranglers, the Undertones, The Rezillos, The Undertones and The Skids
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Time of India
Around 29 militants were apprehended in Manipur
Guwahati: In a series of joint operations, Indian Army and Assam Rifles formations, operating under the Spear Corps, undertook several operations based on specific information. The operations were launched in the Churachandpur, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Kakching, Senapati, Imphal East and Imphal West districts of Manipur between 13 May - 18 May 2025, in coordination with Manipur Police, CRPF, BSF and ITBP. The successful operations resulted in the apprehension of 29 cadres of various hill and valley-based groups whereas 28 weapons, grenades, ammunition and other war-like stores were recovered. In the area, G Khomunnuam of Phougakchao of Churachandpur district, the Indian Army, in coordination with Manipur Police, launched a search operation on 12 May 2025 and recovered six weapons, including one Single Barrel Rifle, three improvised mortars (Pompi), two Pistols, Grenades, ammunition and war-like stores. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like New Container Houses India (Prices May Surprise You) Container House | Search ads Search Now Undo On 14 May 2025, in Thoubal district, an Army and Manipur Police recovered two pistols from Leirongthel Pitra. In Bishnupur district, on 15 May 2025, in the area of Langza near Kumbi in Bishnupur District, the Army, in coordination with CRPF and Manipur Police recovered five weapons comprising one SLR Rifle, two Single Barrel Rifles, two improvised mortars (Pompi), grenades, ammunition and war-like stores. Whereas, in Kakching district, Assam Rifles and Manipur Police recovered one Carbine Machine Gun (CMG), four bolt-action Single Barrel Rifles, a Revolver, Grenades, ammunition and war-like stores on 16 May 2025, in Wabagai Buffalo Farm near Keirak. Live Events On the same day, in the Senapati district, Assam Rifles recovered two bolt-action single-barrel rifles, one .22 Rifle, one 9 mm pistol ammunition and war-like stores on 16 May 2025 from Kalinjang. On 17 May 2025, in the area of Sagolpat near Kumbi, Bishnupur District, the Army, in coordination with Manipur Police recovered two Carbine Machine Guns, a Modified Carbine Machine Gun, one Pistol, one Double Barrel Rifle, ammunition and war-like stores. The apprehended cadres and the recovered items have been handed over to Manipur Police for further investigation and dispersal. These coordinated efforts by security forces highlight their unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security in Manipur.
Hypebeast
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
This Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi Features Hand-Bleached Detailing
Name:Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi 'Aged Bleached Canvas'SKU:31315010Release Date:May 23Where to Buy:Converse JP Conversehas long been intertwined with punk culture. Models like theChuck Taylor All StarandOne Starhave long garnered the love of seminal figures in the scene, from theRamonesto theSex Pistols. Even Tommy Ramone himself once said, 'In the '60s and '70s, it was still rebellious to wear sneakers outside of the gym. Doing that was anti-establishment. It was punky and snotty to wear sneakers instead of shoes.' And Converse's latest Chuck Taylor All Star seems to salute the brand's extensive history with punk culture directly: it's a hand-bleached take on the classic black Chuck Taylor All Star High. Each pair's recognizable black canvas upper has been splattered with a healthy dose of bleach, giving it a worn-in and washed-out look that's contrasted by off-white toe caps and midsoles, complete with black foxing, of course, as well as off-white laces and a familiar All-Star badge on the medial collar. Other embellishments include an All-Star badge on the heel of the midsole and classic silver eyelets. You can expect the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hi 'Aged Bleached Canvas' to release via Converse Japan on May 23. A retail price has yet to be announced, as have details on a potential global release date.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Baseball: Taunton Pistols suffer double defeat against Exeter Spitfires
The Taunton Pistols suffered a double defeat against the Exeter Spitfires on Sunday, May 11. The Spitfires, who remain undefeated in the South West and Wales Baseball League, took both games 18-10 and 11-10. The Pistols had set out to extend their promising start to the season, which had seen them secure a 5-3 record. The first game saw the Pistols take an early lead, scoring five runs in the first innings. However, their momentum was checked by the Spitfires, who hit back and took control of the game. The visitors' efforts were centred around teenager Jake Meads, who notched three hits, including a triple, and batted in four runs. A late pitching change by the Spitfires proved decisive, securing them an 18-10 victory. The second game of the double-header started in the opposite vein, with the Spitfires taking an early lead. However, the Pistols bounced back with two big innings, giving them a 10-7 lead after three innings. Sensing an upset, the Spitfires brought in former Triple A pitcher Mike Osborn, whose presence stifled the Pistols' offence. A late rally from the Spitfires, scoring four across the last two innings, secured an 11-10 walk-off win. Connor Colman, Pistols assistant manager, said after the game: "We made some great plays in the field and had some solid contact with the bat. "We're really proud of how we played today, two close games that required them to bring in their best players to beat us." Despite the defeats, the Pistols had plenty of standout performances. Archie Ginbey was recognised for his pitching debut, which included two strikeouts in the first innings. Harry Cave's three hits, including a double to left centre field and four runs batted in, kept the second game close throughout. The results leave the Pistols with a 5-5 record, positioning them third in the Wessex Division standings, just above the Newton Abbot Brewers, who they play next. The Pistols will have to wait until Sunday, June 1 to face the Brewers, while the Muskets will host their first home game of the season on Sunday, May 18 when they welcome the Bristol Bats to Taunton Green.
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!"
