Paul Cook Admits Sex Pistols Firing Glen Matlock Was ‘Stupid’
· Ultimate Classic RockSex Pistols drummer Paul Cook has looked back on the band’s firing of bassist Glen Matlock in 1977, admitting the decision was a mistake.
“The story around Glen leaving or departing or being sacked, whatever, is pretty messy,” Cook explained during a recent appearance on The Rockonteurs podcast. “John [Lydon] and Glen had fallen out over some reason. I don't know why. They weren't getting on. And John felt that it was me and Steve [Jones] now against [him]. We were a tight-knit couple, if you like. And John felt like he needed a bit of someone in the band who was on his side.”
Malcolm McLaren, the band’s manager, sided with Lydon and suggested Sid Vicious should be the group’s new bassist.
“It was the only time Malcolm and John were in alignment with anything, really,” Cook recalled. “They were manipulating the situation to get rid of Glen and get Sid in the band.”
READ MORE: Top 10 Punk Albums
Vicious – real name Simon Ritchie – had been an avid fan of the Sex Pistols. He was a constant presence at the band’s shows and was well known by the musicians.
“He was at all our gigs early on, causing trouble, inventing the pogo, jumping up and down, smashing into people,” Cook remembered. “And he desperately wanted to be part of it.”
The drummer noted that McLaren saw Vicious as a valuable addition to the band’s image, and didn’t care that he’d never played bass before. Matlock, on the other hand, had been a valuable contributor to Sex Pistols’ music.
“It was a stupid thing we could have done, getting rid of Glen,” Cook admitted. “We was all writing great songs together.”
Paul Cook Says He 'Should Have Stuck Up' for Glen Matlock
In hindsight, the drummer conceded that he should have fought to keep Matlock in the group.
“Me and Steve, we just went with the flow. We didn't want to upset the apple cart. They made it seem like, ‘If Glen don't go,’ this is Malcolm and John, ‘no, that's the end of the band.’
“So we took the easy route. We didn't stick up for him, much to my regret, really,” Cook continued. “We should have stuck up for him. But things was going so crazy at the time. We just thought, oh, it'll be alright. We'll work it out. And we didn't realize what we were taking on with the Sid.”
Sex Pistols 'Soon Deteriorated' After Sid Vicious Joined
While Cook admitted Vicious was great “image-wise,” he noted that the new bassist had a toxic effect on the Sex Pistols.
“It totally changed once he joined the band. Totally. The dynamic changed. Totally changed. Got crazier, for the worse,” the drummer explained, adding that things “soon deteriorated” after Vicious joined.
READ MORE: Top 10 Sex Pistols Songs
Sex Pistols broke up in January of 1978 following a disastrous U.S. tour. That October, Vicious was arrested and charged with the murder of his girlfriend, Nancy Spurgen. He died of a drug overdose four months later.
Matlock eventually rejoined the Sex Pistols for their unexpected 1996 reunion. More recently, he joined Cook and Jones for a pair of shows to raise money for London music venue Bush Hall. Lydon, who has had his own long-running disputes with his former bandmates, didn't not take part. Instead, singer Frank Carter filled in on vocals.
Sex Pistols, 'Never Mind the Bullocks, Here's the Sex Pistols' (1977)
There’s something perfect about Sex Pistols, poster boys for the punk movement of the ‘70s, enjoying an iconic legacy off just one album. Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols was a game changer. Raw, wild and unapologetic, it resonated with young listeners everywhere. Yes, Sex Pistols embraced every scandal as a chance to certify their anti-establishment image, but most importantly the material backed up the bravado. Tracks like "Anarchy in the U.K." and "God Save the Queen" remain cornerstone punk releases. Inevitably, turmoil would ensure Sex Pistols made only one album, but would you want it any other way? Some acts are just better suited for a single explosion, rather than a long, slow burn.
Blind Faith, 'Blind Faith' (1969)
From the ashes of Traffic and Cream came Blind Faith. Initially, a collaboration between Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood, drummer Ginger Baker crashed one of the duo’s jam sessions and invited himself to join the lineup (much to Clapton’s chagrin). Quickly, Blind Faith took shape, with Ric Grech joining on bass. The band’s self-titled album was a blend of psychedelic and blues rock, with such standout tracks as "Can't Find My Way Home,” "Presence of the Lord" and a cover of "Well All Right.” Blind Faith topped the charts on both sides of the pond, but it didn’t take long for things to disintegrate. Clapton, believing the group felt too much like Cream Part 2, decided to move on, first to Delaney & Bonnie and Friends and later to Derek & the Dominos.
Derek & the Dominos, 'Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs' (1970)
In 1970, Eric Clapton joined forces with Bobby Whitlock, Carl Radle and Jim Gordon, musicians with whom the guitarist had formed a bond in Delaney & Bonnie. Whitlock was especially instrumental in the group, handling keyboards and sharing vocals and songwriting duties with Clapton. "We didn't want any horns, we didn't want no chicks, we wanted a rock 'n' roll band,” Whitlock later recalled. The result was electric. The band’s debut album, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs, featured a spattering of covers but was largely made up of original material. Its centerpiece was “Layla,” a soaring tune inspired by Clapton’s secret love Pattie Boyd, wife of his friend George Harrison. The song has since gone on to become a classic rock staple, while Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs has been hailed as one of the greatest albums of Clapton's career. Still, the band wasn’t destined to survive. An assortment of troubles – including the guitarist’s drug use, initial criticism of the LP and the death of Duane Allman (who had played on a handful of tracks – all contributed to Derek & the Dominos' demise.
Coverdale-Page, 'Coverdale-Page' (1993)
In the early ‘90s, Jimmy Page was itching to make music again. Discussions about a possible Led Zeppelin reunion fizzled as Robert Plant preferred to focus on his solo work. Undeterred, Page teamed with Deep Purple and Whitesnake singer David Coverdale at the suggestion of Geffen records executive John Kalodner. The result was Coverdale-Page, a partnership that found both artists embracing their blues and hard rock roots. The duo’s 1993 self-titled album went Top 5 in both the U.S. and U.K., eventually selling more than a million copies. Even though Coverdale and Page both spoke glowingly of their time working together, the partnership would end after just one album.
Them Crooked Vultures, 'Them Crooked Vultures' (2009)
The powerhouse union of Dave Grohl, Josh Homme and John Paul Jones delivered one of rock's best post-millennium albums. The hype surrounding Them Crooked Vultures was high – that’s what happens when members Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age and Led Zeppelin join forces. Still, the self-titled LP lived up to expectations, led by the infectious groove of “New Fang” and the blistering attack of “Mind Eraser, No Chaser.” Them Crooked Vultures’ inclusion on this list may not last forever. The trio remains on good terms and reunited in 2022 to perform at a pair of Taylor Hawkins tribute concerts. All three musicians have expressed interest in making another album, so a sophomore effort still remains possible.
Mother Love Bone, 'Apple' (1990)
In an alternate reality, Mother Love Bone – not Nirvana, Pearl Jam or Soundgarden – would have been the breakout act of the grunge revolution. The group’s 1989 EP generated considerable buzz, thanks largely to singer Andrew Wood. The band also earned a reputation as one of the most exciting live acts in Seattle, and as the ‘90s dawned, Mother Love Bone appeared poised for stardom. But Wood died of a heroin overdose just days before the band’s debut album, Apple, was released. The remaining band members dispersed, with guitarist Stone Gossard and bassist Jeff Ament notably moving on to Pearl Jam.
Temple of the Dog, 'Temple of the Dog' (1991)
The death of Mother Love Bone singer Andrew Wood resulted in another one-album wonder. Temple of the Dog featured a collection of grunge greats uniting to honor the late singer. Chris Cornell, who had been Wood’s roommate, led the charge, with Stone Gossard, Jeff Ament, Mike McCready, Matt Cameron and Eddie Vedder rounding out the lineup. In hindsight, Temple of the Dog has been called a supergroup, but at the time it was simply a collaboration of mostly unknown musicians who were coming up through the same scene. Their self-titled album, featuring such powerful and emotional tunes as “Say Hello to Heaven” and “Hunger Strike,” initially garnered little attention outside of Seattle, but as the grunge movement exploded, it was hailed as one of the genre’s defining LPs.
Jimi Hendrix's Band of Gypsys, 'Band of Gypsys' (1970)
After the disbandment of the Experience in 1969, Jimi Hendrix was a guitarist without a band. The rock icon went through a period where he collaborated with a rotating cast of musicians, a period that included his famous performance at Woodstock. He described his backing band that night as “a band of gypsies.” Although the lineup changed, the name stuck. Hendrix eventually settled on bassist Billy Cox and drummer Buddy Miles being the right men for the job. Band of Gypsys played four gigs at the Fillmore East on Dec. 31, 1969, and Jan. 1, 1970. The shows were recorded and assembled into the Band of Gypsys album, the final release in Hendrix’s lifetime.
Beck, Bogert & Appice (1973)
Even as guitarist Jeff Beck, bassist Tim Bogert and drummer Carmine Appice were enjoying success in other bands (the Yardbirds for Beck, Vanilla Fudge for Bogert and Appice), they couldn’t help but be drawn to the idea of working together. Conversations took place as far back as 1967, but the trio didn’t finally get together until 1972. Through rehearsals and performances (billed early on as Jeff Beck Group), the band began finding its footing. Beck, Bogert & Appice released their self-titled debut in March 1973. The release featured a mix of blues, hard rock and funk, and though the LP peaked at only No. 12 in the U.S., the group generated substantial buzz thanks to its dynamic live show. After successful treks through North America, Europe and Asia, Beck, Bogert & Appice returned to the studio in early 1974 to work on a second album. However, just months after those sessions began, the trio decided to go their separate ways.
Jeff Buckley, 'Grace' (1994)
Jeff Buckley arrived with buzz and a famous bloodline. The singer’s father, Tim Buckley, had been a prominent psychedelic-folk singer in the ‘70s but died of a drug overdose when Jeff was only 8. The younger Buckley cut his teeth in the early ‘90s, performing acclaimed sets at clubs and cafes in New York before releasing his debut album, Grace, in 1994. The LP generated moderate attention, as singles “Last Goodbye” and the title track received some airplay on modern rock stations. Amid a sea of grunge angst, Buckley’s sweet and earnest tone struggled to find its place. Still, the quality of his songs was undeniable, and critical praise and word of mouth helped boost attention. Over time, it would be Buckley’s cover of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” that brought him mainstream focus; his version is often regarded as the definitive rendition of the much-covered song. But like with his dad, Buckley died young, drowning in a swimming accident in 1997. Even though posthumous material would be released, Grace was his only studio album.
Heaven & Hell, 'The Devil You Know' (2009)
Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinnie Appice previously teamed up in Black Sabbath, but when they wanted to get together again in 2005, they required a new name. Derived from Heaven and Hell, Dio’s first Sabbath LP after replacing Ozzy Osbourne, Heaven & Hell toured together for a couple of years before recording The Devil You Know. The LP was hailed by fans as a heavy metal triumph, lauded for its otherworldly riffs. Just months after the album’s release, Dio was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He died in 2010, with The Devil You Know marking his final studio effort.
Damageplan, 'New Found Power' (2004)
New Found Power was supposed to be the start of a new chapter. After the breakup of Pantera, brothers Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul Abbott founded the group Damageplan, recruiting former Halford guitarist Patrick Lachman on vocals and bassist Bob Zilla to round out the lineup. Such notable guests as Corey Taylor, Jerry Cantrell and Zakk Wylde contributed to New Found Power, the band’s debut album that arrived in February 2004. That December, Dimebag Darrell was shot and killed onstage by a fan. The event brought Damageplan to an abrupt end, though Vinnie Paul later hinted that a second LP featuring unheard material recorded before his brother’s death could be released. Despite such rumors, a sophomore Damageplan record never saw the light of day.
Mad Season, 'Above' (1995)
Unlike Temple of the Dog, Mad Season was a supergroup assembled after grunge’s mainstream onslaught. While in rehab, Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready met bassist John Baker Saunders. Once sober and back in Seattle, the two men recruited Screaming Trees drummer Barrett Martin and Alice in Chains singer Layne Stayley for the project. “With Mad Season we just went in and started jamming on tunes, and everybody had ideas and it just happened within three or four days," McCready explained to Guitar World, describing the group as “the most spontaneous thing I've ever been involved in.” Mad Season’s debut album, Above, was released in March 1995 and spawned the radio hit “River of Deceit,” while reaching gold sales status. The band continued to tour, but managing the demands of Mad Season and their respective other groups proved challenging. Stayley’s drug addiction also hindered Mad Season, so much so that the band began working on new music with Mark Lanegan as his replacement. Those sessions never amounted to much, and when Saunders died of a heroin overdose in 1999, Mad Season was effectively brought to a close.
Minor Threat, 'Out of Step' (1983)
One of the most fertile U.S. punk scenes was found in Washington, D.C., with Minor Threat chief among the district’s most notable acts. Formed in 1980, the group earned a devoted fan base thanks to their frenetic live shows. After releasing a pair of EPs and garnering attention with their single “Straight Edge” – whose title and lyrical content inspired the subculture of the same name – Minor Threat released their debut album, Out of Step, in 1983. The nine-song collection hit fast and furious, clocking in at a total running time of just over 21 minutes. Minor Threat would break up later that year, due largely to disagreements over musical direction. Out Of Step remains a definitive release in the world of hardcore punk.
Green River, 'Rehab Doll' (1988)
Formed in 1984, Green River featured singer Mark Arm, drummer Alex Vincent, bassist Jeff Ament, and guitarists Steve Turner and Stone Gossard. The group was notable for creating what is often regarded as the first grunge release, the 1985 EP Come On Down. Infighting over musical direction would plague the group, even as it developed a devoted following in Seattle. While Ament and Gossard wanted to pursue a major label deal, Arm insisted Green River stay independent. Things came to a head during a 1987 show in Los Angeles when Ament filled the band’s guest list with major label representatives without telling the singer. The group decided to split up but agreed to finish its album first. Released in June 1988, Rehab Doll was met with little fanfare outside of the Pacific Northwest, but it remains an important artifact of grunge’s early days.