Glen Matlock has responded to former frontman John Lydon describing the present iteration of Intercourse Pistols as a “tribute act”, and mentioned whether or not or not he can see the singer ever rejoining the line-up.
The dialogue from the bassist comes as he’s the topic of a brand new documentary referred to as I Was a Teenage Intercourse Pistol. Directed by Andre Relis (Randy Rhoads: Reflections of a Guitar Icon) and Nick Mead (Who Do I Assume I Am?), the movie is out now on Apple TV and Prime Video, and is predicated on his 1996 memoir of the identical title.
That includes visitor appearances from Matlock alongside his shut mates and friends – together with Billy Idol, Blondie’s Debbie Harry, Chris Stein and the late Clem Burke, Spandau Ballet’s Gary Kemp, Rat Scabies of The Damned and extra – the movie explores Matlock’s place within the punk scene and the impression he had on Intercourse Pistols.
The bassist co-wrote 10 of the 12 songs on their 1977 album ‘By no means Thoughts the Bollocks, Right here’s the Intercourse Pistols’, earlier than leaving the group later that yr. His time and contributions to the band have additionally been considerably missed over time too, with bassist Sid Vicious’ picture and status usually taking the highlight.
Vicious – who changed Matlock within the band in 1977 – is represented within the documentary by way of archival footage, as is frontman John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten), and the band’s late supervisor Malcolm McLaren.
Matlock has at all times insisted that he selected to depart the group, whereas different band members have mentioned that he was fired, and after departing the line-up Matlock shaped Wealthy Children with Midge Ure, and likewise labored with Blondie, The Damned, Iggy Pop and Faces.
Talking about those that usually are not featured within the documentary, Matlock mentioned (by way of Billboard) that there have been “a couple of folks I did ask” to participate who turned it down.
“They had been possibly extra within the John camp.. so most likely mentioned ‘no’ as a result of it may’ve been awkward,” he added, additionally confirming that he didn’t ask Lydon as he assumed he “simply wasn’t ” and too busy along with his band Public Picture Ltd. (PiL).
“He’s moved on from [the Sex Pistols] now. However good luck to John; he’s bought the Public Picture factor going,” he continued. “Individuals say we’re a tribute band with out John, however there’s three of us, and he’s the one Public Imager. I feel he’s painted himself right into a nook of a really huge hallway.”
The feedback concerning the “three of us” seek advice from how Matlock, Paul Cook dinner and Steve Jones reformed with Frank Carter as vocalist in 2024 – initially to increase funds for London’s Bush Corridor venue – and have been taking part in often since.
Lydon has criticised the reunion a number of instances prior to now, describing it as “karaoke” and “nearly malicious in its intent”.
Requested by Billboard whether or not or not he’d be open to having Lydon again within the Intercourse Pistols if he wished to, Matlock merely mentioned: “It’s simply not gonna occur.”
Lydon has been busy along with his band Public Picture Ltd. lately, and has made it clear that he’s not eager to return to Intercourse Pistols any time quickly. Final yr, he instructed PA that he would “by no means” return to the line-up.
“Not after what I take into account their soiled deeds, allow them to wallow in Walt Disney woke expectations. They’ve killed the content material, or carried out their finest to, and turned the entire thing right into a garbage, childishness, and that’s unacceptable,” he mentioned on the time. “Sorry, I’m not going to provide a serving to hand to this any longer, so far as I’m involved, I’m the Pistols, and so they’re not.”
Matlock additionally spoke to NME in 2024 about Lydon’s criticism of the band for performing with Carter, saying that he was “improper” when he assumed their dwell reveals can be “bollocks”.
“John’s made his mattress – he can lie in it. He’s blissful doing his Public Picture stuff. Good luck to him. It’s not my factor and I’m positive my factor isn’t his factor,” he mentioned. “With me doing my club-level stuff, as a result of I’ve been doing the Pistols, I don’t really feel obligated to simply flip up and be Glen Matlock from the Intercourse Pistols. Marky Ramone, who I like, goes and performs all of the Ramones songs. I feel that’s somewhat bit lame.”
The Intercourse Pistols and Frank Carter can be occurring tour later this yr to have fun their fiftieth anniversary – reveals embrace a number of pageant appearances and US dates kick off in September, earlier than heading to the UK in December.
As for Public Picture Ltd. it appears like a brand new album is on the best way. In the beginning of the yr, Lydon was unveiled as being a part of the ITV singing contest The Masked Singer – and confirmed afterwards that he was utilizing the paycheck to fund a brand new file.
The singer additionally Lydon revealed that he was engaged on a brand new PiL album final yr, when he instructed NME that he was channelling the grief of dropping his spouse Nora into the songwriting course of.
“I must get out of the home,” he mentioned. “I’ve carried out sufficient wallowing, which after all you’ll be able to’t keep away from, even in the event you suppose, ‘No, be the larger man’. You can’t cease it. You can’t cease the unhappiness when it comes on, however sufficient already.”
The interview additionally noticed him reveal that the band had been going back-to-basics for his or her twelfth album, and add: “It’s not going to be a dismal file. We’re going to take it again to the roots of a correct rock band, tearing the fucking constructing down. It’s going to be full on.”
“All of us want that. And that can assist me mentally no finish. It’s like shout remedy,” he continued.