In a recent interview with The Guardian, legendary musician Glen Matlock reflected on his storied past, including an eyebrow-raising anecdote from 1973 during David Bowie's farewell performance as Ziggy Stardust at the Hammersmith Odeon. Matlock, known for his role in the Sex Pistols, recounted a bold theft that took place after the first show of the two-night engagement.
“I knew the Hammersmith Odeon like the back of my hand; I used to bunk in there all the time,” he revealed. Under the cover of darkness at around 2 a.m., Matlock managed to sneak onto the stage where Bowie had performed. He reported that he stole several items including cymbals, a bass amplifier, and, notably, a microphone that still bore traces of Bowie’s lipstick.
When asked if he ever confessed his misdeeds to David Bowie, Matlock noted that during a phone call, Bowie was aware of the light-hearted nature of the incident, finding it amusing. He added, “I actually did make amends with [Woody],” referring to Mick Woodmansey, the drummer for the Spiders from Mars. Matlock recounted a moment from his radio show where he admitted to taking some of Woody's gear live on air, to which Woody responded, “I don’t know; give us a couple of hundred bucks.” Matlock ultimately handed over $300, resolving the decades-old anecdote with a sense of humour.
As for his musical preferences, Matlock stated that he often returns to Bowie’s album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, describing it as a consistent favourite in his collection. Reflecting on chaotic moments in music, he recounted an incident from a 1996 Sex Pistols concert in Milwaukee, where frontman Johnny Rotten fell off the stage after being struck by an audience member. “I thought, that’s the end of that,” Matlock recalled, although to his surprise, Rotten got back on stage to continue the performance.
The conversation also touched on the dynamic shift within the Sex Pistols, now featuring Frank Carter as the new lead singer. Matlock expressed excitement over the energy Carter brings, emphasising that he is not attempting to imitate Johnny Rotten. The band’s philosophy under Matlock is to keep performances concise, stating, “I’m bored after an hour or so,” suggesting shows should not extend beyond an hour and a half.
On the subject of portrayals of his life, Matlock shared his experience watching Toby Wallace in the biopic Pistol. While he expressed satisfaction with the performance, he noted a particular scene that bugged him due to inaccuracies related to a guitar featured in the film.
Matlock’s connections in the music industry were also emphasised during the interview. He recounted a humorous exchange with celebrated singer Cliff Richard, who performed on Matlock's radio show. Richard called to congratulate Matlock on the Sex Pistols' induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, leaving a voice message where he sang, “Congratulations! And jubilations!”
The discussion veered into the realm of chaotic guests on his show, with Matlock recalling Jerry Lee Lewis as particularly challenging due to the musician's prickly temperament. He also reminisced about an unexpected collaboration with Bob Dylan in the late 1980s, where he gathered a band for a studio session which included notable musicians.
As the conversation drew to a close, Matlock was posed with lighter questions, including the choice of a song for his funeral, which he approached with a mix of jest and seriousness. He concluded with a playful mention of his party trick of breaking wind, sharing an amusing encounter with the late Lisa Marie Presley as an example.
This candid conversation not only highlights Glen Matlock’s experiences in the music industry but also offers a glimpse into his personality, marked by humour and a sense of history surrounding rock music’s most iconic moments.
Source: Noah Wire Services