The Sex Pistols co-founder and original bassist Glen Matlock turns 68
He co-wrote most of their material for the 1977 seminal debut album
The Sex Pistols co-founder and original bassist Glen Matlock turns 68
Sid Vicious is generally who most of the people associate having been the Sex Pistols bass player, but it was Glen Matlock who originally co-founded the Sex Pistols, played bass and co-wrote most of their material. Glen Matlock was born on August 27, 1956, in London, and in 1975 together with Steve Jones and Paul Cook formed the seminal Punk band the Sex Pistols. Despite having co-wrote 10 of the 12 songs on the band’s first and only album “Nevermind the Bollocks Here’s The Sex Pistols”, Matlock only really played on one track, “Anarchy in the U.K”, previously released as a single in 1976 while he was still in the band. Matlock departed from the band in early 1977, just as Punk Rock mania was starting to take over the music world and was replaced by the band’s “biggest” fan, Sid Vicious, who despite not really having experience on playing bass guitar or any instrument, became alongside vocalist Johnny Rotten the most iconic and charismatic member of the band. According to some reports given to news outlets back in the day by manager Malcolm McLaren, Glen Matlock “was thrown out” of the Sex Pistols because he “liked the Beatles”, however the anecdote was proved to be fictional and a joke such as Steve Jones claim that Matlock “always washing his feet”. The official reason that was given was creative differences with the other band members. He went on to form Rich Kids, a new wave power pop band, with himself as bass guitarist and singer which had a more melodic sound. Rich Kids included guitarist Steve New, drummer Rusty Egan, and future Ultravox frontman Midge Ure. The band was moderately successful, releasing an album titled Ghosts of Princes in Towers in 1978, which received critical acclaim but did not achieve major commercial success. In 1978, as the Sex Pistols were falling apart, Matlock played bass on Sid Vicious short-lived band Vicious White Kids.
Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Matlock continued to be an active figure in the music world, working with a variety of artists and bands. He played with Iggy Pop, contributing to the album Soldier (1980), and also worked with artists like The Damned and Robert Gordon. Matlock’s versatility as a musician allowed him to cross genres, maintaining a steady career in the industry.
In later years, Glen Matlock reconciled with his former bandmates and participated in various Sex Pistols reunions, starting with the highly successful Filthy Lucre Tour in 1996. His contributions to the Sex Pistols’ early music, particularly songs like “Anarchy in the U.K.” and “God Save the Queen,” have been widely recognized, and his role in shaping the sound of the band is now often given the credit it deserves, and he has participated in every Sex Pistols tour reunion since.
Matlock has also pursued solo projects, releasing albums under his own name and collaborating with other musicians. Today, Matlock remains an influential figure in punk rock and is respected for his contributions to the genre.
Watch the Sex Pistols performing “Anarchy in the U.K” with Glen Matlock on bass, 1976
Also watch: Glen Matlock in 2018 tells why he actually left the Sex Pistols
Watch more 1970’s related videos
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