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Edinburgh Reporter
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Review – Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter live ⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A rare occurrence happened at an outdoor event for the Sex Pistols return to Scotland – it didn't rain. And so Holidays In The Sun was the perfect opener for their front-man Frank Carter to grab his performance by the throat. Heavily tattooed in a black vest, flowing white shirt and Levi denims, he grabbed the mike stand and offered an immediately punchy vocal and stage performance. The 41-year-old got close to hardcore fans down the front and chewed up the occasional negative comment from punk purists. No disrespect to John Lydon, who remains one of the greatest front-men of all time but this potential last run out for the Pistols is potent, especially during these cash-strapped times laced with a sense of injustice and danger from foreign governments. Paul Cook hammered the kit while delivering his melodic drum style that suited the Pistols so well. To hear Steve Jones play the iconic riffs and licks from Never Mind The Bollocks nearly fifty years later is an absolute joy. Sid Vicious might have become the most iconic member of the band but it was Matlock who made an essential musical contribution to tracks such as Pretty Vacant. The backing vocals provided Jones, Cook and Matlock are vital to the sound and they are readily backed up by the crowd while Carter bounded up and down every inch of the Glasgow stage. The mosh pit swirled in full flow during Bodies as fans were dragged over the barrier. God Save The Queen was amplified by the late Jamie Reed's iconic imagery that featured on the 1977 single and an explosion of colour on the big screens. The 'No Future' sing-along ending is sublime. Cook, while drumming, looks out at the reaction with a massive smile on his face while savouring the moment. During No Fun, Steve Jones successfully recreates the unmistakable sound of his hero Mick Ronson nodding to Ziggy Stardust's last concert at the Hammersmith Odeon in 1973. The set closer is what else but Anarchy In The U.K, the song has lost none of its rousing energy. Most fans in the park were youngsters in 1976 but despite arriving for this all day event in the afternoon they were energised and going for it right to the end. It's phantasmagoria of colour and exhilaration between the flashing big screens, the skies starting to bruise and fans going for it one last time. Steve Jones thanked the enthusiastic audience telling them they were 'the best' while looking very much in awe at the reaction of the fans, who continued singing as they headed home in their hundreds on a balmy summer night. Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter, Punk All-Dayer, Bellahouston Park Frank Carter ALL PHOTOS Richard Purden Bellahouston Park Glen Matlock Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
John Lydon slams Sex Pistols for performing in Scotland without him
Lydon, who fronted the original line-up from 1975 to 1978 as Johnny Rotten, says the original members don't want him in the line-up Punk legend has blasted the Sex Pistols for performing in Scotland without him. Lydon, who fronted the original line-up from 1975 to 1978 as Johnny Rotten, says the original members don't want him in the line-up, despite the fact that he helped write the legendary band's 1970s hits such as Anarchy in the UK and God Save The Queen. He believes those who go to catch his old band partners at a show in Glasgow may be left with the feeling they've been had. In an exclusive interview with The Record, the 69-year old punk icon fumed: 'If you're into karaoke, I recommend them. It's a shame they don't want me or anything to do with me. 'They love deriding me, but it's my words they're f***ing singing. 'It's my mentality and my approach and my outlook on life and yet they're abandoning the cause. It's very sad. 'All the Sex Pistols mock bands out there are now being put out of a career because of this lot who I recommend get on a cruise ship called Uranus Travels. 'That would be the best place for them.' In 2021, Lydon took the other members to court but lost his bid to stop Sex Pistols music being used in a TV drama, Pistol, directed by Danny Boyle. The singer, who is heading to Scotland with his own band, PiL in July, said: 'I'm gonna try and get a shaman to lay a curse a month before I get there. 'If they were worth anything at all as human beings, they'd have written their own songs ever since. 'Instead, they fought me in court.' Original Pistols members Steve Jones, 69, Paul Cook, 68, and Glen Matlock, 68, have replaced Lydon with Frank Carter, 41, on vocals for their headline show at Bellahouston Park on June 21. The Summer Sessions festival will include sets by veteran rockers The Stranglers, Buzzcocks, Undertones, Skids and The Rezillos. Lydon, who formed the post-punk act PiL after quitting the Pistols in 1978, is bringing his band to Glasgow's Kelvingrove Bandstand on July 29. He insists his PiL show, featuring hits such as Public Image, Death Disco and This is Not A Love Song, is not karaoke – despite the fact that he is the only remaining original member. Keith Levine, who was also a founding member of The Clash, died in 2022, aged 65. The original bass player, Jah Wobble, left the band after two albums. Lydon said: 'I set it up. I can't help it that people have to move on for various different reasons. There wasn't much sacking going on, a few but that was the rare exception. 'I think most people that came through PiL learned a lot. It was almost like a college of further education for musicianship. And they've now all got their own solo things, and that's happy days for them. But I don't own people, and I can't keep hold of people in that way. 'I think every band, if you really look at it out there, has problems and issues with membership. It's just the way it is. Personality shifts. And you know, if you've ever watched Spinal Tap, you'll know some blokes girlfriends are just really not worth the effort."
Irish Examiner
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
'Never say never': Glen Matlock on the Sex Pistols reunion, and the John Lydon spat
Sex Pistols bassist and songwriter Glen Matlock is talking about the contradictions he has lived with daily working in the music industry since he was a teenager in the seminal punk band. "For all its socialist principles and high ideals if someone doesn't buy a ticket for your gig; you're nowhere. The world doesn't owe you a living and you have to make your own luck," he explains. The 68-year-old Londoner isn't long back from touring Japan, Australia and New Zealand as part of the Sex Pistols featuring Frank Carter on vocals. The lineup features three of the original Pistols that formed almost 50 years ago in August 1975. Joining Matlock on bass are guitarist Steve Jones and drummer Paul Cook. Carter's punk credentials were cemented with Gallows and Frank Carter & the Rattlesnakes. "I could be cynical and say we are helping everyone relive their youth but that's not true," explains Matlock. "With Frank being in the band it helps and the music we did is timeless really, we sound like we did years ago." Not surprisingly, original front-man John 'Rotten' Lydon has slammed the reunion. "I am the Pistols and they're not," is Lydon's take on it all. Equally unsurprisingly, Matlock is of a differing opinion. "It was Steve's band. We were all the songwriters and we all did our bit," he says of their string of hits including Anarchy In The UK, God Save The Queen and Pretty Vacant. "It would never have happened without any one of us. The problem is John won't give anyone else any credit which is why we are where we are now. He still can't think it through. But he can do what he likes. He comes across as bitter and twisted while we are all having a laugh, making some good money and sending everyone home with a smile on their face.' So does that mean there will never be another reunion with Johnny Rotten? "Never say never. It's sad the way it's unfolded. Life is short and the hourglass of time is dripping away for us. Who wants to sit at home thinking about what could have been?" Matlock originally left the Pistols to make way for Sid Vicious on bass. While the replacement bassist became a punk icon, especially after his premature death at the age of 21 in February 1979, the band soon imploded. Jones later expressed the opinion that if Matlock had remained in the Pistols they would have made more records. Despite the band's short lifespan, Never Mind The Bollocks Here's The Sex Pistols (1977) remains one of the greatest long-players of all time. The ongoing public interest in the band was clear when the band played shows last August to raise money for Bush Hall in London, saving the venue from closure. Fan reaction and critical acclaim led to the Pistols continuing a live run with Carter on vocals. Matlock often sits outside with a coffee in West London, partly due to the fact he still enjoys a cigarette. "It's not big and it's not clever," he admits. Sometimes his life resembles an episode of celeb comedy show Stella Street. He regularly bumps into fellow residents such as Lulu and Rolling Stone Ron Wood, or is joined by the likes of Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher. "Yeah, I put Weller and Noel on the guest list for the [recent Pistols secret gig] at the 100 Club. I see him and Noel regularly as we live in the same area. I've known Paul since the early days, we all went to see them [The Jam] in Fulham and they came to our gigs.' Matlock has enjoyed a prolific career since originally leaving the Pistols in 1977. He first found success alongside Midge Ure in Rich Kids. Their only album, Ghosts of Princes in Towers, was produced by David Bowie's essential guitarist, co-producer and arranger Mick Ronson. Glen Matlock, left, with other members of the Sex Pistols in 1976: Johnny Rotten, Steve Jones, and Paul Cook. Picture: Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty. "Mick was always taking people under his wing. The music industry is so pushy with everyone trying to climb the greasy pole. Mick was never like that. I don't think he did too bad but he could have been more astute sometimes," says Matlock in reference to Ronson not being properly taken care of for his contribution to such records as Bowie's Life On Mars and Lou Reed's Walk on the Wild Side. The mention of Ronson does bring back a particularly fond memory of an evening out in London with the guitar legend. "We went to down the dogs at Walthamstow [Stadium for greyhound racing]. Mick was unwell and it was really to take his mind off things. We'd laid down our bets, took a seat and the race began, which doesn't take long. Mick then got up and went off; I said: 'Where are you going?' He said: 'That dog on the outside looks good'. He was trying to back it before the end of the race!" Matlock has also enjoyed stints with Iggy Pop, playing on Soldier (1980), and also with The Faces, and Blondie. In 2023-24 he toured Iggy Pop's classic Lust For Life (1977) album with the late Clem Burke. The news of the Blondie drummer's death from cancer in April was a shock. "We've been friends for 50 years," explains Matlock. "It's been weird because he would stay with me whenever he was in London and I would stay at his place in L. A when I was over there. Just wandering around the house [since his death] has been a little bit odd. Clem and I were cut from the same cloth. When Debbie Harry got covid, the dates were postponed and we ended up kicking about New Jersey where he was from and where his old man lived and worked. He had an American version of my upbringing really." Burke was that rare example of someone in the music industry that no one had a bad word to say about, while also being regarded as one of rock'n'roll's greatest drummers. "He was a fantastic showman and drummer. He would also instigate things and make them happen,' adds Matlock. Glen Matlock playing with Blondie. Picture:. 'When I went to America last year he put the band together for me and brought in people like Kathy Valentine [The Go-Gos] and Gilby Clarke [ex-Guns N' Roses].' While Debbie Harry and co have a new album ready to be released, the future is uncertain. "I knew Clem had been ill for a little while and Blondie had been put off, there's a new Blondie album in the can but I don't know what will happen and now the Pistols stuff has come up." Before the Sex Pistols play several dates in the UK and Europe in June, Matlock will be touring with his solo band. His album Consequences Coming and autobiography Triggers: A Life In Music, both released in 2023, were well received. He seems to be a man who rarely rests for long, but admits to being "knackered" after returning from the other side of the world with the Pistols. "This is a good little band. When something like the Pistols happens I have to put my solo work on hold. The Pistols songs are old and I'm always interested in having my new songs on the go," he explains. Is there a chance of new music from the Pistols? 'I don't know but nobody has said 'no',' he explains, adding that the band get along much better than before. 'On tour now we have breakfast together and get on the same flights and trains in Japan and that's quite a novelty since the days of yore. Steve Jones came around my house the other day to watch QPR. I'm a QPR fan. He likes to bet on everything. We got beat so he went home with £10 of mine in his pocket!"
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
John Lydon leaves GMB's Susanna Reid stunned with VERY cheeky remark as Sex Pistols star causes havoc live on air
SEX Pistols star John Lydon left Good Morning Britain anchor Susanna Reid shocked after letting slip a VERY cheeky remark live on-air. The punk rocker, known by his stage name Johnny Rotten, left the ITV presenter, 54, giggling after his impromptu remark centred on his age. 5 John Lydon left Susanna Reid stunned with a VERY cheeky remark on Good Morning Britain Credit: ITV 5 ITV anchor Susanna, 54, was seen giggling at his remark Credit: ITV 5 Johnny found fame as the lead singer of the Sex Pistols Credit: AFP The God Save The Queen hitmaker was on Wednesday's episode of the daytime series to chat about his new spoken word shows. Yet in an unexpected turn, he directed the chat towards his age. Talking of the tour, Good Morning Britain host Ed Balls, 58, asked: "Is there any music in that?" John said: "First I will get the eight months of gigging out of the way, then I'll do the talky tour. "They are very different aspects. "I am only 69 years young and 69 is my favourite position. "So I might as well try all these different things." His cheeky reference to the sex position left Susanna giggling in shock, while co-host Ed Balls could be seen wide-eyed in shock. Ed then said after the comment: I think it's going to be controversial and fabulous." Susanna then added: "Yes, and continues to be gloriously outrageous. John Lydon thank you very much." Sex Pistols John Lydon slams This Morning's Holly and Phil before breaking down in tears One fan was quick to note the awkward moment and posted on X: "His favourite what?!" Another posted: "Well that interview was finished quickly," as a third wrote: "Susanna giggles at the thought of a 69 with Johnny Lydon." One then posted: "John Lydon on #GMB - had to turn the channel, just embarrassing." Yet another took the opposing stance and added: "Love John Lydon a national treasure." Good Morning Britain presenters Current presenters: Susanna Reid (presenters Monday to Wednesday and alternate Thursdays) - 2014 to present Kate Garraway (presenters alternate Thursdays and Fridays) - 2014 to present Martin Lewis (Money Saving Expert) - 2021 to present Richard Madeley (presents Monday to Thursday) - 2022 to present Ed Balls (presents on a rotating basis) - 2022 to present Adil Ray (presents on Fridays) - 2024 to present Robert Rinder (presents on a rotating basis) - 2024 to present Charlotte Hawkins (stand in and holiday cover presenter) 2014 to present Former presenters: Ben Shephard (Thursdays and Fridays) - 2014 to 2024 Sean Fletcher (Monday–Friday) - 2014 John Stapleton (Wednesday) - 2014 Piers Morgan (Monday to Wednesday) - 2015 to 2021 Lorraine Kelly (Monday to Friday) - 2022 John's comment came amid his promotion for his Public Image Ltd tour. He previously told how he didn't think he would tour again after the loss of his wife Nora, aged 80, in 2023. 5 John made a crude remark about the 69 sex position Credit: ITV
The Irish Sun
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
John Lydon leaves GMB's Susanna Reid stunned with VERY cheeky remark as Sex Pistols star causes havoc live on air
SEX Pistols star John Lydon left Good Morning Britain anchor Susanna Reid shocked after letting slip a VERY cheeky remark live on-air. The punk rocker, known by his stage name 5 John Lydon left Susanna Reid stunned with a VERY cheeky remark on Good Morning Britain Credit: ITV 5 ITV anchor Susanna, 54, was seen giggling at his remark Credit: ITV 5 Johnny found fame as the lead singer of the Sex Pistols Credit: AFP The God Save The Queen hitmaker was on Wednesday's episode of the daytime series to chat about his new spoken word shows. Yet in an unexpected turn, he directed the chat towards his age. Talking of the tour, Good Morning Britain host Ed Balls, 58, asked: "Is there any music in that?" read more gmb "They are very different aspects. "I am only 69 years young and 69 is my favourite position. "So I might as well try all these different things." His cheeky reference to the sex position left Susanna giggling in shock, while co-host Ed Balls could be seen wide-eyed in shock. Most read in News TV Ed then said after the comment: I think it's going to be controversial and fabulous." Susanna then added: "Yes, and continues to be gloriously outrageous. John Lydon thank you very much." Sex Pistols John Lydon slams This Morning's Holly and Phil before breaking down in tears One fan was quick to note the awkward moment and posted on X: "His favourite what?!" Another posted: "Well that interview was finished quickly," as a third wrote: "Susanna giggles at the thought of a 69 with Johnny Lydon." One then posted: "John Lydon on #GMB - had to turn the channel, just embarrassing." Yet another took the opposing stance and added: "Love John Lydon a national treasure." Good Morning Britain presenters Current presenters: Susanna Reid (presenters Monday to Wednesday and alternate Thursdays) - 2014 to present Kate Garraway (presenters alternate Thursdays and Fridays) - 2014 to present Martin Lewis (Money Saving Expert) - 2021 to present Richard Madeley (presents Monday to Thursday) - 2022 to present Ed Balls (presents on a rotating basis) - 2022 to present Former presenters: Ben Shephard (Thursdays and Fridays) - 2014 to 2024 Piers Morgan (Monday to Wednesday) - 2015 to 2021 Lorraine Kelly (Monday to Friday) - 2022 John's comment came amid his promotion for his Public Image Ltd tour. He previously told how he didn't think he would tour again after the 5 John made a crude remark about the 69 sex position Credit: ITV 5 John, known as Johnny Rotten, is heading out on a spoken word tour Credit: Getty
