16 June 2011 (gig)
20 June 2011
Glen Matlock is one of the handful of London musicians who have kept playing pretty well constantly and are genuine ‘Faces’ without needing to take on all the trappings of being a major star.
So it was no surprise to see a good crowd turn out for a gig with his mates in The Philistines.
And a damn good showe it was too.
No-one would claim that Glen Matlock is a classy vocalist or that his is loaded down with subtlety or intricacy but he is a pure rock & roll performer and every time I have seen him, whether bass for the Sex Pistols or bass and vocals for The Rich Kids or guesting with The Faces or Primal Scream, he gave it plenty and I left with his hoarse chords ringing in your ears and a big smile to go with it.
The 100 Club wasn’t full but a good sized crowd was very vocal in their appreciation of a set full of good times and plenty of power.
He kicked off with one of my favourites, ‘Born Running’ and the whole band managed that sloppy majesty that comes of playing with your mates and having fun alongside the serious business. They featured some big choruses and sharp melodies with Matlock on guitar trading with his mate James Stevenson and massive drumming from Javier Wayler. Jim Lowe was a more than able bass player but it would have been nice to see Glen with a bass in his hands.
Best numbers of the night were ‘Hard Work’ and ‘Get What You Get’ for power and a stunning version of ‘(I’m Not Your) Stepping Stone’ with all the pizzazz of Paul Revere and none of the Monkees tweeness.
All in all a cracking evening and well worth dragging ones-self out for – shame more didn’t but the ones who were there had a rare time.
