Sex Pistols' Glen Matlock on Sid Vicious, John Lydon, Oasis, and his new solo album

Glen Matlock, the original bassist for the Sex Pistols, recently discussed his diverse career and new projects in an interview. Matlock, who co-wrote much of the iconic punk album Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, has remained active in music, collaborating with Blondie, The Rich Kids, and Iggy Pop. He had left the Sex Pistols early, earning credited as bassist and backing vocalist on only one song on the famous album, "Anarchy in the U.K."

His latest solo album, Consequences Coming (2023), tackles political discontent with a blend of punk attitude and classic rock influences, reflecting on issues like Brexit and the Trump presidency.

In a recent interview, Matlock described the album as a response to modern political turmoil, emphasizing the need for accountability from leaders. Currently touring the UK, Matlock has highlighted his desire to transcend his punk legacy, incorporating styles like doo-wop in his solo work (though, to be fair, punk band The Ramones would sometimes incorporate doo-wop elements, so punk hs never been totally alien to the style).

His live performances include stops in London, Leeds, and Belfast, and he has even extended his tour to Los Angeles. This commitment to variety aligns with his desire not to be pigeonholed as just the "Sex Pistols bassist" but as a diverse musician and songwriter more concerned about what sounds great, rather than just staying in his lane.

What Glen Matlock recently said about the Sid Vicious and John Lydon

In the recent interview, Matlock also reflected on his history with the Sex Pistols and expressed mixed feelings about the band's legacy. He criticized the 2022 biopic Pistol, adapted from guitarist Steve Jones' memoir, as overly dramatized and lamented the cultural glorification of Sid Vicious, who replaced him in 1977. Vicious, he noted, often overshadows the more significant contributions of the band’s earlier work (Vicious is considered symbolic of the stereotype of "everything in punk that was dark, decadent and nihilistic," as one of Vicious' friends noted).

On the band’s recent reunion tour, Matlock performed alongside original members Paul Cook and Steve Jones, with Frank Carter stepping in for John Lydon as the vocalist. Matlock also addressed Lydon's controversial support of Donald Trump, expressing disappointment and skepticism about the sincerity behind Lydon’s rebellious image. While acknowledging Lydon’s lyrical prowess during their time together, he questioned whether those lyrics (such as "God Save the Queen") truly reflected Lydon’s beliefs or were a performance of rebellion.

Matlock's view on Oasis

Interestingly, Matlock revealed that he was once invited to join Oasis, a proposition he turned down. He humorously referred to the Britpop giants who gave the world "Wonderwall" as "boring," showcasing his penchant for both humor and brutal honesty when reflecting on his career.

In addition to his ongoing solo ventures, Matlock has been involved with Blondie, contributing to their recent album. This collaboration allowed him to explore "atonal" and "heavy” sounds, further showcasing his adaptability and commitment to evolving as an artist, in addition to his "political" album.