I Was a Teenage Sex Pistol (2025), directed by Nick Mead and Andre Relis, tells the story of Glen Matlock, original bassist and key songwriter for the groundbreaking punk band, the Sex Pistols. Gone and replaced by punk-rock poster-boy Sid Vicious before their one legendary album hit stores and all the notorious antics that followed. Filled with tons of interviews, present and archival, not only with Matlock and his bandmates but from other iconic performers of that era. So nevermind the bullocks, let’s get into it.
Buy I Was a Teenage Sex Pistol from MovieZyngFrom humble roots in working-class London, Matlock began playing bass guitar in his teens inspired by bands like the Kinks and Small Faces. While working in a quirky, anti-fashion clothing store called “Sex” run by Vivienne Westwood and her partner Malcolm McLaren, Matlock would meet fellow inspiring musicians Steve Jones (guitar) and Paul Cook (drums). Those two lads appear to have only gotten into playing music after nicking some instruments. The trio, now dubbed “the Sex Pistols” by McLaren as an homage to his shop, recruited a brash hoodlum named John Lydon, AKA Johnny Rotten, to take over lead vocals from Jones.
While taking gigs (many for free) anywhere, anytime, at any dive or any party, as they worked up songs and crafted a stage presence all their own, a crowd of loyal fans began to follow them. Among those early followers were future punk/alt rockers Siouxsie Sioux and Billy Idol. Prominent rockabilly guitarist Chris Spedding then took notice of the band’s unique, gritty sound and helped produce their first demo recordings of songs written mostly by Matlock. Tension and factions grew within the band especially after a chaotic appearance on Bill Grundy’s Today talk show and Matlock was booted out. McLaren claimed he axed Matlock because he liked the Beatles but in reality Rotten wanted his pal John Ritchie AKA Sid Vicious to join him in the Pistols in place of the less-outrageous bassist. Matlock says he had grown tired of the band’s terrible antics and amicably walked away while managing to avoid Rotten’s attempts to bring him and Vicious to violence. Matlock and Vicious not only avoided coming to blows but Matlock even offered to help Vicious become a real bass player instead of a mime with a bass.
As the Sex Pistols skyrocketed to infamy after the release of that legendary first and only album, Matlock continued playing bass and formed a new band called Rich Kids, which would inspire even more young musicians like Gary Kemp of Spandau Ballet. While the volatile Sex Pistols blew themselves up with controversy and met their ultimate demise due to their over-the-top, in-your-face, bad attitude, Matlock’s respect and admiration continued to grow among his peers. Eventually, he would tour and record with the likes of Iggy Pop, the Damned, Johnny Thunders and Blondie, all the while he kept playing with his own handpicked band in smaller clubs around the world.
Driven by “three chords and the truth,” the Sex Pistols changed the rock genre and helped fuel the fire of the punk genre. I Was a Teenage Sex Pistol celebrates Glen Matlock’s contribution to the sound that set the world on fire in just one sole album release. Though often overshadowed by frontman Johnny Rotten and faceman Sid Vicious, it is clear that without Matlock, Never Mind The Bullocks… would not have been as forceful and good. His hand in crafting 10 of those 12 album tracks is clear, though it’s disputed whether Matlock played on the actual tracks used on the album as he states
It’s great to see Matlock revisit some of the old haunts from his past as he and his bandmates reflect on how they met, how it all came together, and how things fell apart. The interviews are mostly recent but old interviews and performances are cleverly used throughout. It’s only through archival interviews that we hear from Rotten and McLaren as they provide their own thoughts and opinions on some of the major events. Rotten’s take on the term “punk” being applied to them is perfect, it captures well his brazen attitude and philosophy. It’s also very fun and enlightening to hear from the likes of Debbie Harry, Rat Scabbies, Slim Jim Phantom, Wayne Kramer of the MC5, and Neal X from Sigue Sigue Sputnik to name just a very few.
Buy I Was a Teenage Sex Pistol from AmazonI Was a Teenage Sex Pistol is rocking and enlightening from start to finish. It is certainly worth the watch for die-hard fans as well as casuals who may not know the full contribution that Glen Matlock made to that “one goddamned album” that many consider one of the greatest albums of all time. This one ranks right up there with Don Letts’ Punk: Attitude and The Clash: Westways to the World, as it touches briefly on subjects like fashion, the music that inspired the movement, Teddy boys vs. Punks, etc.
