“When I first heard that the Sex Pistols were touring this year without me it pissed me off. It annoyed me,” Lydon said. “I just thought, ‘They’re absolutely going to kill all that was good with the Pistols by eliminating the point and the purpose of it all.’”

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Lydon went on to call the tour a “karaoke” act, suggesting the lineup were trivialising the Pistols’ history. “They’re trying to trivialise the whole show to get away with karaoke, but in the long term, I think you’ll see who has the value and who doesn’t,” he said. He also added, “I’ve never sold my soul to make a dollar. It’s the Catholic in me – that guilt I don’t want to trip.”

Lydon hasn’t performed with his former band since 2008, but tensions between the two ignited again in 2022 over the release of Danny Boyle’s miniseries, ‘Pistol’, based on a memoir from guitarist Steve Jones. Lydon had no involvement or input on the series, and criticised the historical accuracy of events within. Jones responded to the singer, telling him to “grow up and move on,” and explaining that it was based on his experiences, not Lydon’s.

The current lineup of the band first played together at a gig at London’s Bush Hall, where they were raising funds for the iconic venue. Lydon questioned their motives, suggesting that it wasn’t an entirely altruistic endeavour. A source quoted by The Sun suggested that the shows were also meant to send a message to Lydon. “These Pistols gigs aren’t just for charity, they’re to show Rotten how rotten they think he’s been to the rest of the band over the years,” the source said. “Rotten thinks he IS the Pistols, but these gigs will show they don’t need him anymore.” Lydon reportedly dismissed the reunion as “b****cks.”

Reactions to the PiL frontman’s latest comments have been mixed, with one X user calling him a hypocrite, claiming that Lydon initiated previous reunion tours. Underneath the same post, another X user compared the shows to Queen touring without Freddie Mercury.

Poor Johnny Forgotten.
Always moaning and moaning. Phone your orange friend TRUMP and ask if you can cry on his shoulder.

YOU started the KARAOKE thing with those SEX PISTOLS reunion tours back then. Hey, @lydonofficial once a HYPOCRITE, always a HYPOCRITE. pic.twitter.com/HyITkEz4jX

— TURN UP THE VOLUME (BLOG) (@TurnUpBlog) February 19, 2025

Controversy is nothing new to the band, and the current feud hasn’t affected sales for their upcoming show at the Royal Albert Hall. Raising funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust, the show is effectively sold out, with only resale tickets available on Ticketmaster. Beyond that performance, the Pistols will also play at Download Festival, Glasgow Summer Sessions, and various international dates, taking them across Europe, with stops in Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil too.

Whether the band still has that spark that ignited the UK punk explosion in the 70s or not, their upcoming shows will be a chance to see one of the most influential bands of the last 50 years. Meanwhile, Lydon will be taking PiL around the festival circuit this summer too.

The North Hertfordshire venue hosted iconic British artists during its run, including Glen Matlock of Sex Pistols and Neville Staple of The Specials. Club 85’s landlord and owner, Jas Lidder, told Hitchin Nub News, “It wasn’t an easy decision.”

The venue has served the Hitchin community for 60 years, with Lidder going on to further explain the difficult decision in his statement for Hitchin Nub News. Lidder wrote, “The most important thing in life is your health and mental wellness. Therefore, it’s time for both [Jas & Ranjit Lidder] to enjoy their life after working 70+ hours per week for multiple years.”

Lidder continued, “We can assure you that every option was explored and evaluated, but we’ve decided the best choice was to develop the site. The decision wasn’t easy for both after all the hard work that the family has put into Club 85 since 1985 and the sacrifices to make it the best community hub in the area.”

This news comes shortly after NME reported that the UK is set to lose 10% of its grassroots music venues in 2023. 67 venues have already closed this year, with a further 90 currently working with MVT’s Emergency Response. It is predicted that half of these will be closed, marking a 10% loss in venues this year alone.

Club 85’s Lidder pointed towards a potential new grassroots venue project in the works for his colleague Bob Mardon however, writing, “We’d like to additionally pass our thanks on to [manager] Bob Mardon for the last 20 years, his hard work and dedication have led to Club 85 being the best live music venue in the area. We will both support Bob in developing a new grassroots venue.”

Lidder also thanked Club 85’s patrons, saying, “Lastly, we’d like to thank all the great people who have come through the doors over the last 38 years and becoming a part of the Club 85 family.”

The news has been met with negative feedback, with one Twitter user writing, “It’s ridiculous to tear it down to make a handful of flats.”

BOO! Club 85 offers great opportunities for live music and comedy. It’s ridiculous to tear it down to make a handful of flats #Hitchin #Club85 https://t.co/x43d30j270

— Phoenix Phil Morley (@PhoenixPhilM) September 19, 2023

Another called the news “pretty devastating.”  

The last time I played Club 85, I was much smaller.

Hitchin’s lucky to have a full-time music venue with so much love & history behind it. Club 85’s a cultural asset that gives so much to the community. So the news of the proposal to replace it with flats is pretty devastating. pic.twitter.com/tj3o30xyQj

— David Ephgrave (@David_Ephgrave) September 20, 2023

Hitchin councillor, Ian Albert, summed up the news by saying, “This is desperately sad news for the residents of Hitchin and music lovers far and wide.“

Wow: @BlondieOfficial just played hit-packed set honouring Donna Summer and Sex Pistols – featuring former Pistol and fellow icon @GlenMatlock himself no less. Here’s what went down#glastonbury2023 #NMEGlasto https://t.co/ngqCDKe3yZ

— NME (@NME) June 25, 2023

Blondie are legendary veterans in this scene and this was never more apparent than during their Pyramid Stage set that saw the crowd served with hit after hit, in a career spanning performance that certainly pleased older members within Worthy Farm but in no doubt grabbed the attention of younger ones as well.

When looking at the setlist the band decided on for this party atmosphere on Glastonbury’s final day, it simply defies belief how many bona fide hits Blondie has- a testament to just how important they were to the 1970s and 80s new wave scene and beyond. As the opening notes of “One Way Or Another” rang out across the sun scorched grounds, the crowd were instantly whipped into an excited frenzy as “Hanging on the Telephone” and “Call Me” followed in quick succession.

The catalyst behind the exhilaration that Blondie brought to the stage was provided by front-woman Debbie Harry-a truly iconic hero of the ‘underground’ New York City scene. And what a triumphant statement for the 77 year old to make, literally lighting up the Pyramid Stage with her mere presence and charisma.

Wearing a CBGB t- shirt, lest anyone forget the punk roots of the band that soon would become by-words for funk and disco, Harry looked every bit the alternative pop-punk goddess that she has long been touted as. And very few would argue the point, as the singer worked the stage like she was rolling back the years-providing a glimpse of what the group must have been like to behold in their prime.

Blondie are a great band…..Debbie Harry is an icon…..and Rapture is a terrific song. They’ve still got it and she’s never lost it. #Blondie #Glastonbury2023 #Glastonbury pic.twitter.com/Wdq3Nshq2s — All about Steve (@1StevieKilner) June 25, 2023

Belting out hits like “Hanging on the Telephone” and “Atomic” while sharing the stage with original Sex Pistols member Glen Matlock, Blondie seemed to be closing the circle-Harry occasionally sidling over to the bassist while he provided backing vocals with a big smile on his face.

#Blondie at Glastonbury with hit after hit after hit. Debbie Harry unbelievable for 77 and with one of my favourite bass players @GlenMatlock. DO NOT DISTURB pic.twitter.com/A3cyODuuCk

— (C)hris Cooper (@ChrisCoopsSport) June 25, 2023

As Blondie neared the end of their set and the notes to “Heart of Glass” rang out across the stage, the crowd, already in the palm of Harry’s hand, was treated to a rousing tribute to Donna Summer as her hit song “I Feel Love” was woven into the disco inspired classic. The Sex Pistols were also saluted with “God Save the Queen” interposed into the song as well.

For many before Sunday, the idea that Blondie would play the Pyramid Stage would pass with a shrug-a golden oldie being granted their due but after witnessing the raw and magnetic performance of a band, seemingly on top of their game, more than a few will earmark Blondie as one of their very favourite live acts.

The London’s 100 club was the location it took place to support the release of his new album, Consequences Coming, which was released last week. In the announcement of the gig, Matlock wrote: “I wander what type of warrant I’ll get?! Come on down to the 100 club this Saturday and find out.”

Matlock’s updated version features lyrics that does not shy away from addressing contemporary issues such as climate change, Brexit, and the Black Lives Matter movement. The lyrics also showcase Matlock’s wit and humor, as he critiques the current state of politics and society.

Ahead of the show, Matlock made it clear that he will not be changing the lyrics to the band’s iconic protest anthem because he believed that it was proving tricky to make the new lines rhyme but luckily, he found a way. Matlock introduced the reworked lyriccs. He confirmed that it was for “one night only” before singing the opening line, “We’re gonna save the King/ It ain’t just old thing”. You can see the footage of him performing the updated anthem below.

The Sex Pistols' 'God Save the Queen' has been updated to reflect Charles' coronation.

Bassist Glen Matlock gives a preview to Channel 4 News ahead of a performance in central London. pic.twitter.com/T2DAqLvgFq

— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) May 6, 2023

Matlock spoke to Channel 4 and said that it was a “bit weird” singing “God Save The Queen” when she is “not around anymore.” He added on to say, “Instead of changing that one word [King], you’ve got to change a good few of them to make it all work. I’m just doing it one time, for a laugh, I’m not re-recording the song and putting it out, that would be a whole publishing nightmare. I’m doing it for the people out there at that moment in time and why not? It’s a laugh. I like poking fun at the establishment.”

For one night only, the Sex Pistols will play 'God Save the King' – changing the title of their punk anthem.

Bassist Glen Matlock told @krishgm it was a "bit weird" singing the original as "she's not around any more". pic.twitter.com/RX2joOMcyw

— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) May 6, 2023

When Matlock’s thoughts were shared in regards to his opinion about the coronation via The Guardian, he admitted that, “there’s just so many people in destitution at the moment in this country.” He then adds on to say, “I think it’s kind of rubbing their noses in it a little bit. It’s all a distraction, but that’s the country we live in. Things are bleak for a lot of people and I think the royal family is pretty much the same as Love Island or The X Factor. They’re kind of the opium of the masses, just keeping people quiet. This is England and that’s the way it is, what can I do about it? I just can rail against it every now and then.”

Both acts have confirmed that Matlock will appear on Blondie’s new album while Foxx recuperates from their injury. Speaking to Classic Pop Magazine, cultural icon and Blondie guitarist Chris Stein gave the following details, “Glen has just been great. Unlike ‘Pollinator’, we’re mostly keeping this album in-house: it’s just the band and Glen playing on it. He’s fitted right in.”

Blondie’s last full release Pollinator dropped over five years ago and was their eleventh studio album. The album was released on 5th May 2017 via BMG Rights Management and sired four singles, the album’s lead single “Fun” was a huge success and peaked at number two within the UK official vinyl singles Chart. After several albums of somewhat experimental work, Pollinator is often regarded as a return to a more traditional format and sound for the band. The tracklist features a host of special guests and a-list collaborations, with many songs co-written by other artists, including Johnny Marr, The Strokes’ Nick Valensi, Charli XCX and Dev Hynes, aka Lightspeed champion.

The English musician Matlock recently made headlines for his comments during an interview to mark God Save The Queen’s 45th anniversary and the recently released Danny Boyle biopic of the band Pistol. Whilst appearing on the ITV programme Good Morning Britain, Matlock stated, “I think one of the things is that, you know, how worse off we would be if [Boris] Johnson was a president, that would be even worse. I’m really quite pleased to be out of England at the moment, the terrible, turgid Tories have just been getting on top of me.”

The 66-year-old musician continued, “So to be touring, as I have been, I got asked very last minute to play with Blondie, we’ve been touring over here (in the US) and I just not long got back from Mexico, it’s been really quite refreshing to do something different and step outside and see how other people see us.”

Blondie’s charismatic frontwoman Debbie Harry and Stein will be back in the UK this winter for a series of special shows; the singer and guitarist will conduct a lecture tour across the UK. Entitled ‘An Evening With Debbie Harry & Chris Stein in Conversation‘, the series of appearances were initially scheduled to begin this February; due to the covid-19 pandemic, the four shows were postponed until the end of this year.

‘An Evening With Debbie Harry & Chris Stein in Conversation‘ Dates

01/11/2022 – The Palladium – London
03/11 – Royal Concert Hall – Glasgow
06/11 – Town Hall – Birmingham
08/11 – Bridgewater Hall – Manchester

Click here to purchase tickets.

Now playing on @rockonteurs it’s time to welcome @GlenMatlock to the show.
Find it on all good podcast channels like @spotify @amazonmusic @acast @applepodcasts and more. @garyjkemp and @guypratt welcome a Sex Pistol to the show…standby for some brilliant stories pic.twitter.com/ABqEcRLK9s

— Rockonteurs (@rockonteurs) March 21, 2021

The punk rock band was formed in London in 1975 and consists of vocalist Johnny Rotten (aka John Lydon) , guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook and bassist Glen Matlock. They have released only one studio album in 1977 ‘Never Mind The Bullocks’ that reached No1. on a UK Official Chart. Matlock left the group in February 1977 as he couldn’t get along with John “although they were always the proverbial “chalk and cheese” – outside elements definitely conspired to pull the pair apart”. He was replaced by Sid Vicious who died in 1979.

Talking about his departure form the group, Matlock shared his view regarding Malcolm McLaren who was band’s manager at this time. “I would say this, but I don’t think Malcolm ever understood that we were any good” he said and added: “He really thought we was rubbish and he thought he was the bloke who was selling London Bridge – but we could play. I wanted to be in a band to play music, I like that side of it.” He explained that he wasn’t heard by the group members and his position was insupportable adding: “I didn’t like the way it was going”. 

Sex Pistols have reformed on few occasions: in 1996 where they played live on ‘Filthy Lucre’ World Tour. “The Sex Pistols would play almost as many gigs on this tour as they ever played in the 70s”. In 2002 they played a 25th Silver Jubilee celebration show in London that has followed up in the USA where they were supported by supergroups like The Offspring and Bad Religion.

After last month’s dispute over royalties between bandmates, another reunion is rather impossible. Paul Cook said: “I can’t see it happening again for the Pistols and I don’t think anyone wants it to”.

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