Quick Five with the Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock
1972, London saw the formation of a band which would change Rock and Roll for ever. The Sex Pistols, as they called themselves, ignited a Punk Rock revolution throughout the UK which later capsized the world. Among the founding members of the band was bassist, Glen Matlock, who would go on to become a pioneer. He is credited as the co-author of 10 of the 12 songs on ‘Never mind the bollocks, here’s the Sex Pistols’ album.
Ever since leaving the band in early 1977, Glen went on to collaborate with heavyweights like Iggy Pop and Vicious White Kids and London Cowboys among others. Later he formed the band Glen Matlock and the Mavericks before rejoining the Sex Pistols for their reunion tours post 1996.
Currently in Mumbai, for a gig at the Hard Rock Café on the 10th August where he has collaborated with the amazing Telegu rock star Alluri, Glen spoke to Music Plus about his new album ‘Good to Go’ and more.
Tell us about your new album ‘Good to Go’.
It’s a collection of songs over the past few years. It’s got a fantastic selection of artists. The main drummer is Slim Jim Phantom from the Stray Cats. The main guitarist is Earl Slick, it’s got Chris Bedding on one track and Neil Axe on the others. It’s got a slightly different swing to it than Punk Rock music.
Which tracks should the fans look forward to in particular?
There is one track ‘Keep on Pushing’ and also there is one big blues style track called ‘Cooking You’. Then there is ‘Sexy Beast’ where Earl has played a sexy solo.
How was it collaborating with Earl Slick?
When you get to a certain age and are around for long you tend to meet certain people. I have done a few things with Earl quite a long time back. We had a common guy called Jim, who got us together in a way for this album. We decided to record it in America.
How did Sex Pistols change you?
It was the first thing any of us had done properly and it kind of formed us. Its hard to say how it changed us because its all we had ever done. Individually all our lives, no matter what we do, we still are the Sex Pistols.
How was the experience of collaborating with Alluri and what kind of a set can we expect at this Mumbai show of yours?
Its been fun. I haven’t know him for long. Recording with him in Telegu with Italian musicians in Milan was a different experience.
I don’t know yet! I got a sack full of songs, so mostly some solo stuff and then the songs which Alluri, the band and me have worked on. Well, its gonna be Rock Music in the end!