Sex Pistols’ Glen Matlock tells punk fans ‘don’t hold your breath’ for another reunion ahead of classical album release
The iconic band last performed together in September 2008
SEX Pistols' Glen Matlock isn't expecting the iconic punk rockers to reunite any time soon.
The punk legends last performed together in 2008 and while big money reunions are the current trend, the bassist has told fans not to hold their breath.
Speaking to The Sun to promote new album The Anarchy Arias - 13 classic punk songs reworked by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - he said: "I don't get out of bed in the morning thinking is it gonna happen, but who knows. I wouldn't hold your breath."
Glen was the inspiration for the project after his classical arrangement of the Pistols' track Pretty Vacant captured the attention of Universal Music.
The alternate version of the song, which features a string quartet, is worlds away from the snarling original with guitarist Steve Jones' buzzsaw riffing and John Lydon's aggressive vocal.
When asked what his younger rebellious self would have made of the more mellow Glen of today, he explained: "It's a hard one because back then I didn't look past the end of the week, and I still don't.
"In my up and down career, what life brings makes things interesting. I've done bits with The Faces, Primal Scream, The Pistols, obviously. I'm always doing lots of different things, and I do loads of solo shows as well. It's a mixed bag, but I think if you go through most people's record collections its not all one brand of music, people have different tastes. I certainly have.
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"There's only two types of music: there's good music and bad music. Good music's got some heart and is intelligent and moves you, and bad music's just kind of pap. I think these are a great selection of songs from one particular era, and I think they've done well."
Glen picked out The Sound of the Suburbs by The Members as his personal favourite from the selection, which also includes Pistols classic God Save The Queen.
The project is set to be turned into a West End musical in 2018.
While he admitted he's no operatic singer, Glen said he would be open to performing a track live if asked.
"Most people I've spoken to about it can't help like it," said the musician. "I've had nothing but good feedback about it.
"It's in its infancy, after what comes next? If they ask me, I'm certainly not an operatic singer, but I wouldn't mind getting up and singing one song with them, that would be a blast."
Glen also branded the recent Manchester Arena suicide bombing - which saw an Islamic extremist kill 22 people at an Ariana Grande concert, "disgusting".
He said the current terrorist threat was reminiscent of playing with the Pistols in the 70s when the IRA was prominent.
"I was in one of the most famous punk rock bands in the world," he said. "There were quite a few rough moments in that whole punk scene, and also I was bought up through the 70s when the IRA was trying to do their thing, so it doesn't make it better, but you have a certain outlook on these things."
The musician was uplifted by the city's One Love concert, organised by pop star Ariana in response to the tragedy.
He said: "I saw the Manchester thing, and musically it's not my kind of thing, but I think the spirit was fantastic. Concerts are an easy target really, lots of people all in one place."
The Anarchy Arias is out tomorrow.
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