Glen Matlock Hits the Clyde Before Cluny Show
Original bassist pauses at lush riverside panorama ahead of his Newcastle tour gig tonight
Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.
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Image: Instagram
On Thursday morning, Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock treated fans to a scenic snapshot along Scotland’s famed River Clyde. Posting on Instagram, Matlock (Glen Matlock) wrote, “A lovely start to the day on the verdant banks of the Clyde. See you at the Cluny later. 😎.”
Riverbank Respite
In the image, Matlock stands casually on a grassy embankment, the green stretch of the Clyde behind him. The soft light of dawn reflects off the water, framing the former Sex Pistols founding member in a moment of calm before tonight’s headlining slot at The Cluny in Newcastle. Fans will recognize The Cluny as one of the city’s most respected live music venues, known for its intimate setting and enthusiastic crowds.
Uk Tour Itinerary
This stop in Glasgow is the latest leg of Matlock’s short UK tour, which kicked off on May 5 at The Voodoo Rooms in Edinburgh. He followed that date with sets at Albie’s in Stockton-on-Tees and The Plaza in Stockport, sharing highlights with fans online. In Edinburgh he posted, “Made it to sunny Edinburgh. Playing the fab Voodoo Rooms tonight – come on down. 😎,” and even paused near the city’s landmark castle, quipping, “They do like a turret or two here too… 😉.” Tonight’s Newcastle date at The Cluny will wrap up the trek north of the border with what promises to be the most intimate setting yet.
Punk Rock Roots
Glen Matlock was born in London in 1956 and became the original bassist for the Sex Pistols in 1975, co-writing pivotal tracks like “Pretty Vacant,” “God Save the Queen,” and “Anarchy in the UK.” His melodic bass lines and lyric contributions helped shape the raw sound that revolutionized music in the late 1970s. Though replaced by Sid Vicious in early 1977, Matlock’s influence endures: many fans and critics regard his era with the band as its songwriting peak.
After departing the Pistols, Matlock formed the Rich Kids, whose 1978 album “Ghosts of Princes in Towers” earned praise for its blend of punk energy and pop sensibility. He later collaborated with Iggy Pop, Robert Gordon, The Damned, and others before launching his solo career. His most recent album, “Ghost Story” (2023), received acclaim for its gritty production and candid lyrics.
Tonight At The Cluny
The Cluny, located in Newcastle’s Ouseburn district, seats just 300 people, creating a close-up experience for concertgoers. Matlock’s set is expected to span 90 minutes, featuring staples from his Sex Pistols days alongside originals like “I’ve Got Everything” and “One Night Stand.” Tickets sold out within 48 hours, underlining his cross-generational draw. Last year’s “Good to Go” album also appears on the bill, giving long-time followers a chance to hear newer material live.
Fans reacting to Matlock’s Clyde-side photo loaded the comments with anticipation. One supporter wrote, “The perfect calm before you rock The Cluny,” while another quipped, “Wish I was on that grassy bank!” The blend of serene scenery and punk lore offers a glimpse of the juxtaposition that keeps Matlock’s performances fresh: a seasoned musician at ease offstage, then electrifying once the lights go down.
Legacy And Influence
Beyond his work onstage, Matlock has become a respected historian of punk music, curating exhibitions and writing liner notes that document the movement’s origins. In a 2020 feature, he told Mojo magazine, “Punk was about capturing a moment and pushing boundaries. I still feel that excitement when I play live.”
His riverbank image resonates for that reason: it captures the reflective side of an artist whose life in the limelight has always been intertwined with public upheaval. Matlock’s Instagram feed balances vintage tour photos, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and personal mementos, reinforcing his status as both a pioneer and an accessible tour-life veteran.
With tonight’s Newcastle date drawing near, fans can expect Matlock to bring that same authenticity to every note. From the verdant Clyde morning to the pulsing energy inside The Cluny, the journey underlines why Glen Matlock remains a vital figure in punk history and contemporary touring alike.
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