Glen Matlock recently commented on the possibility of John Lydon rejoining Sex Pistols. He addressed the matter in a statement shared on Express.
Matlock was direct about Lydon’s future with the band. He stated that reconciliation is unlikely due to past conflicts.
“There’s no way back for John. He’s painted himself into a corner, over politics,” Matlock said.
The Sex Pistols bassist then outlined the band’s current direction. They are moving forward with new vocalist Frank Carter rather than attempting to reunite with the original lineup.
“I’ve got ideas for songs…we have to have a conversation, but we’ll definitely gig. No other band I’ve been in eclipses the Pistols. It’s a double-edged sword. I see myself as a songwriter but I’ve been a Sex Pistol or an ex-Pistol all my life. No matter how much you try and do other things, it is always there,” Matlock continued.
The Sex Pistols have continued their legacy with a reformed lineup that reflects significant changes from their original incarnation. The band has been touring with original members Steve Jones and Paul Cook alongside Frank Carter on vocals, as reported by Blabbermouth. This marks a definitive shift away from the Lydon era.
The band’s recent activities have not been without challenges. The Sex Pistols’ planned North American tour scheduled for September-October 2025 was canceled due to Steve Jones breaking his wrist, as detailed by Blabbermouth. Shows have been postponed until his recovery. This setback came just as the band was gaining momentum with their new lineup.
Matlock’s comments about Lydon reflect broader tensions within the band’s legacy. John Lydon has been critical of the current incarnation of the band with Frank Carter on vocals, per IMDB. This further cements the divide between the original frontman and his former bandmates.
Despite these challenges, Matlock remains a central figure in preserving the Sex Pistols’ legacy. He served as the key songwriter on the classic album Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols. Matlock has continued to perform with the band during reunions and remains committed to creating new material and performances with the current lineup. The Sex Pistols’ story is far from over.
