Glen Matlock doesn’t see the Sex Pistols ever reuniting with John Lydon.
The iconic punk band’s founding bassist – who has told his side of the group’s saga in new documentary I Was A Teenage Sex Pistol, which shares a name with his 1996 memoir – has played down the chances of him, Paul Cook and Steve Jones making peace with their former frontman.
Asked by Billboard if they would welcome him back if he decided he wanted to rejoin, he paused and replied: “It’s just not gonna happen.”
Glen explained that Public Image Ltd. star John, who was known as Johnny Rotten during his time with the Sex Pistols, wasn’t even approached for the new documentary.
He added: “He’s moved on from [the Sex Pistols] now. But good luck to John; he’s got the Public Image thing going.
“People say we’re a tribute band without John, but there’s three of us, and he’s the only Public Imager. I think he’s painted himself into a corner of a very big hallway.”
The remaining trio from the Anarchy in the UK hitmakers are still touring, with Frank Carter – known for his work with Gallows and fronting Frank Carter and the Rattlesnakes – taking the lead.
Glen said: “Frank has given us a new lease on life. It’s a bit like the beginning in the band, when we first started out, before John got his face in the papers.
“Jenny, [Cook’s wife], came to see us and said, ‘Y’know what; that’s the first time I’ve ever seen you guys come off stage with a smile on your face.”
There could even be new music in the future, although Glen acknowledged that the band are “beginning to run out of time a little bit”.
He admitted: “I’d like to. I’ve got some tracks; they’re not finished songs, just sort of earmarked if that [opportunity] comes up.
“I think Frank would like to. The only thing is Steve lives in LA, I live [in London], Frank’s out of town.
“When we get together [to tour] we have enough time to do what we need to do. There’s not a lot of hanging around. But who knows. We’re beginning to run out of time a little bit, but never say never, right?”