In a recent interview with The Guardian, Glen Matlock, the bassist of the legendary punk band the Sex Pistols, recounted a memorable and cheeky incident from his youth involving equipment that belonged to David Bowie during the last concert of the Ziggy Stardust tour in 1973 at the Hammersmith Odeon. Matlock revealed that while there is some truth to the rumour of him taking gear from Bowie’s trucks, the reality was quite different, stating, “It wasn’t outside in trucks though – it was on the stage!”

The event took place after the first night of Bowie’s performances at the famous venue, where Matlock, familiar with the Hammersmith Odeon, found himself in a position to pilfer some equipment after hours. “I knew the Hammersmith Odeon like the back of my hand, I used to bunk in there all the time. I was like the Phantom of Hammersmith Odeon,” Matlock remarked. At around 2 am, he made the bold decision to take a minivan he had stolen to the venue. He recounted tiptoeing across the stage to grab cymbals, a Sunn amplifier head, and some microphones, even noting that he ended up with Bowie’s microphone, “with his lipstick on it.”

When asked if he ever admitted his actions to Bowie, Matlock disclosed that he indirectly did during a later phone call, adding, “He knew I’d done it; he thought it was funny.” Matlock expressed less concern for Bowie and more for the band’s drummer, Mick Woodmansey, and bassist, Trevor Bolder. He later made amends with Woodmansey during a radio show, offering him $300 as a form of restitution for the stolen cymbals.

As for his musical preferences, Matlock identified “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust” as an album he continuously revisits, highlighting its significance in his life.

During the interview, Matlock also reminisced about a chaotic moment on stage in 1996 when the Sex Pistols performed in Milwaukee. A disturbance occurred when an audience member managed to reach the stage, leading to Johnny Rotten (John Lydon) being pushed off, but to Matlock’s surprise, he quickly rebounded and continued the performance.

Reflecting on the current revitalisation of the band with the addition of new frontman Frank Carter, Matlock noted, “It’s great, it’s refreshing.” Despite being nearly 70 years old himself, he praised Carter’s youthful energy and rapport with the audience. Matlock stressed his preference for shorter concerts, stating, “I’m not interested in seeing a band for three hours,” contrasting with some artists who aim to prolong performances in an effort to deliver value for tickets.

Matlock also discussed the portrayal of him by actor Toby Wallace in the recent biopic “Pistol.” He remarked on Wallace’s efforts to capture his mannerisms, although he took issue with the likeness of the guitar used for the film, which he described as resembling a cheap model rather than his own instrument.

In light-hearted terms, Matlock shared an engaging story about Cliff Richard, who appeared on his radio show. Richard’s unexpected call to him following the Sex Pistols’ induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame left Matlock amused as he recalled Richard serenading him with a congratulatory song.

He concluded the conversation by citing Jerry Lee Lewis as his most chaotic guest, sharing a moment of tension during an interview when Lewis abruptly reacted to a question about his past.

With various anecdotes about his experiences in the music industry, Matlock’s reflections provide a glimpse into the life of a punk icon who has influenced generations while continuing to navigate the nuances of fame and friendship.

Source: Noah Wire Services