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I Was A Teenage Sex Pistol
Glen Matlock was a founding member of the Sex Pistols and co-wrote most of their iconic songs. His story of the Pistols’ rise to global infamy is an honest, insightful account of a group of intelligent malcontents, determined to change the music business and to attack hypocrisy and stale conventions in society at large. Glen brilliantly captures the flavour of seventies Britain and reveals the complexities and personality clashes that made the Pistols so explosive at that time.
Also includes true tales of the Pistols reunion tours of 1996 and 2002.
Never mind the other bollocks-filled books about the Sex Pistols, here’s the truth.
Also includes true tales of the Pistols reunion tours of 1996 and 2002.
Never mind the other bollocks-filled books about the Sex Pistols, here’s the truth.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 1990
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
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August 17, 2022DNF. I actually read a lot of it and could give it a rating but I just did not get into it. I felt the style was to formal or something.
December 6, 2021
I read this in one sitting, it's fairly insubstantial, and the reunion tour diary bits added onto the end of this later edition aren't even remotely interesting. Glen makes great play of being the major songwriter in the Sex Pistols before his departure (a claim disputed by at least two other members of the band) which is puzzling if true as he has written little of note since then. Me, I have always suspected that the band was a case of the whole being greater than the sum of its parts, and one great album was all they had in them, but you may disagree...
Glen claims Van Der Graaf Generator and Can amongst the band's influences, but you don't hear that in their music as much as you might in, say, Public Image's first couple of albums. Indeed, whether they could have evolved beyond four-on-the-floor rock'n'roll is a moot point; certainly bands such as The Slits (who Glen dismisses here as not being able to play) produced a far more interesting and varied body of work than the Pistols, whose risible post-Matlock career included Eddie Cochrane covers (just in case we were still wondering!), and rubbish like 'Belsen' and 'Cosh the Driver' featuring Great Train Robber and fugitive Ronnie Biggs.
So - not one to go out of your way for, but if it turns up in a discount bin or a charity shop it's worth a look.
Glen claims Van Der Graaf Generator and Can amongst the band's influences, but you don't hear that in their music as much as you might in, say, Public Image's first couple of albums. Indeed, whether they could have evolved beyond four-on-the-floor rock'n'roll is a moot point; certainly bands such as The Slits (who Glen dismisses here as not being able to play) produced a far more interesting and varied body of work than the Pistols, whose risible post-Matlock career included Eddie Cochrane covers (just in case we were still wondering!), and rubbish like 'Belsen' and 'Cosh the Driver' featuring Great Train Robber and fugitive Ronnie Biggs.
So - not one to go out of your way for, but if it turns up in a discount bin or a charity shop it's worth a look.
November 28, 2013
Many years since I read this (mid 90s), but I recall that it was highly enjoyable and easy to read. Glen makes his point well that he was motivated by music, not punk. The bit that sticks in my head, is his assertation that it was Steve Jones more than anyone, who exemplified the spirit of punk, and makes a good argument for this. If Steve hadn't been in the Sex Pistols, now giving the occasional interview whilst lounging by his pool in LA with a fag and can of lager, he'd most probably be a resident of Her Majesty. It's clear that Glen and JR were not best of pals, but he avoids a bitchfest, all to his credit. I read it at a similar time to reading JR's, 'No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs', and was really good to get the contrast and different perspective on events.
February 1, 2008
At least as interesting as John Lydon's book "Rotten", though, of course, not as "spirited". For best results, read the two books back-to-back.
May 16, 2014
A few weeks ago Glen Matlock & Sylvain Sylvain of the New Your Dools came through town and played an inspired acoustic show at Small's in Hamtranck. It was a Sunday night and the crowd shuld have been much bigger but the two iconic musicians put on a show (both solo and togther) that I will long remember. After the show I had chance to speak with an actual Sex Pistol and bought a copy of his book.
After reading this book I am just as thrilled as I was after seeing the reunited Pistols on the Filthy Lucre tour. The story of the Sex Pistols has been told many times, but never in such a candid and down to earth manner. Glen Matlock was part of rock & roll history and he lets us into the world where punk was in its infacy and you could see the original Pistols and the early Clash and Damned playing around town. But this story is more than the Pistols - it's a story pf how these young kids managed to turn themselves into one of the most influentual bands of all time, Matlock calls the Pistols a failure because they broke up before they reached their potential and he's right there. But they certainly weren't a failure to the generations of kids who still follow them and dream of writing a song like "Prett Vacant" or "Anarachy in the UK".
All of the short Pistols history is here along with Glen leaving the band and the many years of rancor between the former members. But of course, we do know that they did make up and the reunion tours are all described in here. At one point - Glen Matlock says that the only ones who really know how good the Pistols were the few hundred or so that saw them playing before everything came crashing down on them. And he's right - I wasn't one of them but this book is as enjoyable as cranking up Never Mind the Bollocks for the millionth time. The Pistols were timeless amd this book brings that era back to life again.
After reading this book I am just as thrilled as I was after seeing the reunited Pistols on the Filthy Lucre tour. The story of the Sex Pistols has been told many times, but never in such a candid and down to earth manner. Glen Matlock was part of rock & roll history and he lets us into the world where punk was in its infacy and you could see the original Pistols and the early Clash and Damned playing around town. But this story is more than the Pistols - it's a story pf how these young kids managed to turn themselves into one of the most influentual bands of all time, Matlock calls the Pistols a failure because they broke up before they reached their potential and he's right there. But they certainly weren't a failure to the generations of kids who still follow them and dream of writing a song like "Prett Vacant" or "Anarachy in the UK".
All of the short Pistols history is here along with Glen leaving the band and the many years of rancor between the former members. But of course, we do know that they did make up and the reunion tours are all described in here. At one point - Glen Matlock says that the only ones who really know how good the Pistols were the few hundred or so that saw them playing before everything came crashing down on them. And he's right - I wasn't one of them but this book is as enjoyable as cranking up Never Mind the Bollocks for the millionth time. The Pistols were timeless amd this book brings that era back to life again.
December 5, 2023
Everyone has their story to tell. Everyone has a different experience when going through same thing or dealing with same things. Our realities are all different.
This book is Glen Matlock's experience in The Sex Pistols. Written closer in time to when it all happened. He focuses only on band related things and the band's music. This is interesting reading, even more so for Sex Pistols fans.
I did smirk at some of the snobbish aspects about clothing and who did what first. But, that all was not super distracting and just amused me.
Definitely a fun read and the book is now added to my memoirs library.
This book is Glen Matlock's experience in The Sex Pistols. Written closer in time to when it all happened. He focuses only on band related things and the band's music. This is interesting reading, even more so for Sex Pistols fans.
I did smirk at some of the snobbish aspects about clothing and who did what first. But, that all was not super distracting and just amused me.
Definitely a fun read and the book is now added to my memoirs library.
July 29, 2014
Glen Matlock’s version of events are far more plausible than John Lydon’s whine-fest ‘Rotten: No Dogs, No Irish’. Gratefully Matlock skips the majority of childhood reminiscing that plagues most biographies, and slips into the period when he starts working at Malcolm McLaren’s clothing shop. Also, he covers but doesn’t get embroiled in some of the more well-known stories, like the EMI split, so more stories that we wouldn’t know otherwise get covered. He comes off honest about himself, and the people around him. All around a brief and interesting read.
November 10, 2014
After leaving the Sex Pistols Glen Matlock has made a lot of music. His songs are well-crafted, well-delivered but lack star quality. The same is true of his book. It's a useful insider's guide to the early Pistols and covers their later tours (which are not really of any great interest). The key point Matlock makes (and it is a valid one), is that the pre-Sid Pistols were a tight and accomplished outfit, far better than they are generally given credit for. Aside from that it's all rather worthy and devoid of any great insight or any good stories.
September 15, 2008
I pull this one out and re-read it all the time. Very light and fluffy and fun about the formation of the Sex Pistols and the early punk scene in London. I have an earlier edition from about 20 years ago.
January 2, 2012
Before Sid...there was Glen........Great read...entertaining stories from the original Sex Pistols Bass Player.
February 12, 2013
Good read. In a band/entourage of psychos, junkies, thieves, weekend nihilists and machevelian primadonnas, I think Matlock was the savviest and most normal. He even talks about thirteenth chords.
October 19, 2015
For all music fans a must read
April 30, 2023
Having read John Lydon and Steve Jones’ autobiographies and more than one book about Sid Vicious, I thought it was about time to read Glen Matlock’s.
I’ve been lucky enough to see Glen Matlock play both with the Pistols in the 1990s and later in the 2000s with Dead Men Walking where he played alongside Mike Peters of the Alarm and Slim Jim Phantom I so was keen to read what he had to say.
The book is entitled I was a Teenage Sex Pistol and the title is appropriate as apart from a little about Glen’s childhood, the book is exclusively about his life as a Sex Pistol, mostly looking at the Pistols the first time round with a couple of chapters looking at the reunions. It doesn’t look into his personal life in depth or at other periods in his musical career with the Rich Kids, Iggy Pop, Blondie and more. That aside, it is a comprehensive, warm and humorous account of the Sex Pistols.
As there is so much mythology around the Pistols, Glen goes out of his way to challenge falsehoods and downright lies. He challenges Malcolm McLaren’s claims that he manufactured the band and that the band didn’t have any musical talent. He also challenges the story that he was fired – he makes it clear that he had planned to leave and that he was happy with Sid Vicious replacing him.
Glen’s difficult relationship with John Lydon is catalogued as is his importance in writing much of the Pistols’ material, including entirely writing Pretty Vacant.
This is a great book for Pistol’s fans. And if you enjoyed this, I’d strongly recommend Steve Jones’ Lonely Boy, by far the best and funniest rock autobiographies I’ve read including tales of kleptomania, peeping-tommery and much more with many laugh out loud moments.
I’ve been lucky enough to see Glen Matlock play both with the Pistols in the 1990s and later in the 2000s with Dead Men Walking where he played alongside Mike Peters of the Alarm and Slim Jim Phantom I so was keen to read what he had to say.
The book is entitled I was a Teenage Sex Pistol and the title is appropriate as apart from a little about Glen’s childhood, the book is exclusively about his life as a Sex Pistol, mostly looking at the Pistols the first time round with a couple of chapters looking at the reunions. It doesn’t look into his personal life in depth or at other periods in his musical career with the Rich Kids, Iggy Pop, Blondie and more. That aside, it is a comprehensive, warm and humorous account of the Sex Pistols.
As there is so much mythology around the Pistols, Glen goes out of his way to challenge falsehoods and downright lies. He challenges Malcolm McLaren’s claims that he manufactured the band and that the band didn’t have any musical talent. He also challenges the story that he was fired – he makes it clear that he had planned to leave and that he was happy with Sid Vicious replacing him.
Glen’s difficult relationship with John Lydon is catalogued as is his importance in writing much of the Pistols’ material, including entirely writing Pretty Vacant.
This is a great book for Pistol’s fans. And if you enjoyed this, I’d strongly recommend Steve Jones’ Lonely Boy, by far the best and funniest rock autobiographies I’ve read including tales of kleptomania, peeping-tommery and much more with many laugh out loud moments.
August 3, 2023
After really enjoying John & Steve's autobiogs a few years back, it was good to get Glen's side of the story and read this too.
Having said that, his book is much less in-depth, and there's very little about his life outside of the band once we get through the brief chapters about his childhood and formative years.
But, there's still plenty to enjoy, and it's really a case of Glen putting the record straight and laying a few myths to rest. It was fascinating to read about the genesis of the Sex Pistols and how he got involved in the band, and also the creation of those classic songs.
It was interesting too to see the real reasons why he left the band, and also to read about his relationship with Sid.
Once the band is over though, he doesn't elaborate much more, and there's very little about the short-lived Rich Kids era.
The last couple of chapters about the Pistols reunion tours were I believe added to later editions of the book, by which time he is married with children - but there's nothing in between to see how he went from a Pistol to a 40-something dad.
But, having said that, this was still a very enjoyable read, and a must for all Pistols' fans.
Having said that, his book is much less in-depth, and there's very little about his life outside of the band once we get through the brief chapters about his childhood and formative years.
But, there's still plenty to enjoy, and it's really a case of Glen putting the record straight and laying a few myths to rest. It was fascinating to read about the genesis of the Sex Pistols and how he got involved in the band, and also the creation of those classic songs.
It was interesting too to see the real reasons why he left the band, and also to read about his relationship with Sid.
Once the band is over though, he doesn't elaborate much more, and there's very little about the short-lived Rich Kids era.
The last couple of chapters about the Pistols reunion tours were I believe added to later editions of the book, by which time he is married with children - but there's nothing in between to see how he went from a Pistol to a 40-something dad.
But, having said that, this was still a very enjoyable read, and a must for all Pistols' fans.
July 27, 2017
Interesting to see the Sex Pistols from the viewpoint of Glen Matlock who could actually play the bass guitar, unlike the so called punk legend, Sid Vicious. As Glen points out, the Sex Pistols went into a gradual decline after he left the band. Having said that, he does come across as a bit of a bighead, but he was there in arguably the biggest band to come out of the UK punk scene. Never did see them in the 70s, not easy considering they were banned from virtually everywhere, but did see them on the Filthy Lucre tour. A happy memory. Not all the memories are happy in I Was A Teenage See Pistol but worth adding to your collection of punk books.
Ray Smillie
Ray Smillie
December 15, 2025
I think that every side to a story counts and the Sex Pistols one has at least three official written points of view, pretty sure if Paul ever wrote one he'd just be parroting Steve anyways, so I gave this one a go. It really paid off and was packed full of stuff not in Jones' nor Rotten's books. Thought Sid is the iconic bassist, Matlock is actually responsible for a lot more and was there in the beginning helping create the Punk thing alongside the other Pistols. He gets a bad wrap from the other members, but I am happy he wrote his own account. If you're a fan of the band then you don't want to dismiss this one.
July 7, 2022
An interesting take on the Sex Pistols by their original bass player. His early history and that of the band was interesting. Sometimes the terms lost me and he uses a lot of expressions that are not well known in North America but for the most part, entertaining and well written. The last sections that were added later to cover their reunion tours are not as well done. Eventually it just breaks down to a list of places they stayed and what happened. But a worthwhile read if you have an interest in that era, musically or otherwise.
September 11, 2022
Fabulous summary of the story behind one of the most notorious bands in history. It was enlightening to learn the truth (?) or something closer to it than the story told in The Great Rock and Roll Swindle. Matlock tells the story largely objectively, it seems. It’s great to know what was really happening with this band I’ve loved for decades. Lots of details and interesting stories.
November 13, 2022
Having read all of Lydon's books I enjoyed them all. Steve Jones book was outstanding and honest beyond expectations.
This is also a great read reflecting a it of what Steve Jones says in his book.
I would love to see it updated to 2022 to include a chapter or two to cover events from 2005 onwards.
Read, Review and enjoy this book.
This is also a great read reflecting a it of what Steve Jones says in his book.
I would love to see it updated to 2022 to include a chapter or two to cover events from 2005 onwards.
Read, Review and enjoy this book.
March 11, 2024
I enjoyed this more second time around. Glen is not afraid to express his opinion, something I am prone to, putting my foot in my mouth on several occasions. Never had my pus punched yet so I must do it a smile and a glint in my eye. Without a doubt Glen Matlock was the man behind most of the tunes and the Pistols made a huge error when they sacked him.
March 3, 2025
Excellent
I’ve read them all, aside from John’s (half read and lost interest). Jonesy’s was a blast, and so is Glen’s.
It’s refreshing to read an autobiography that can glorify the author’s successes while retaining an obviously genuine perspective, with a healthy dose of humility.
Any punk fan, music fan,or autobiography fan will love this book.
Nice one, Matlock,
I’ve read them all, aside from John’s (half read and lost interest). Jonesy’s was a blast, and so is Glen’s.
It’s refreshing to read an autobiography that can glorify the author’s successes while retaining an obviously genuine perspective, with a healthy dose of humility.
Any punk fan, music fan,or autobiography fan will love this book.
Nice one, Matlock,
October 8, 2024
Straight from the horse's mouth!
I cannot get enough of Glen's writing. He was there, and what a story he has to tell!! Funny and exciting, it is such an interesting read. He feels like a mate after reading this. Recommended!!
I cannot get enough of Glen's writing. He was there, and what a story he has to tell!! Funny and exciting, it is such an interesting read. He feels like a mate after reading this. Recommended!!
January 6, 2025
I purchased this book purely for it being one of the best ever cover designs - True Fact
Glen is a really great writer and a good geezer and fascinating insights into his time as one of the original Sex Pistols
Glen is a really great writer and a good geezer and fascinating insights into his time as one of the original Sex Pistols
July 2, 2018
Good but a bit blokey.Interesting fact about Nudge Ure being potential lead singer of SPs
February 7, 2019
Another side to the story of the original Sex Pistols, this one is obviously how things turned out for Glen Matlock, didn't know if some of it was just to suit himself though and a little bit of sour grapes going by other band members accounts but it's his side and worth a read to make your own mind up, no doubt the guy can play the bass and deserves his credit and contribution to the sound of the Pistols but he was from the wrong end of the town for the rest of the band members 😀
August 24, 2022
Despite my interest in the subject & the shortness of the book, took me forever to finish. A dry, muddled slog. Sorry, Glen.
November 20, 2023
Boss stuff, all Pistols.
December 14, 2019
A short and quick read. Consider reading Steve Jones' and John Lydon's books around the same time to get 3 perspectives on the events. There's a balance there somewhere.
November 9, 2025
Pendiente de reseña
February 23, 2017
Well.....I'm confused. Glen's memory differs to other memories of the same time.....I don't think there could ever be a truly true version of life in the Sex Pistols for varying reasons; I am yet to read Steve Jones autobiography, though.
I did enjoy reading this; but I'm not 100% sure it's 100% accurate!
And.....Glen....more dirt....you're a bit too nice.
I did enjoy reading this; but I'm not 100% sure it's 100% accurate!
And.....Glen....more dirt....you're a bit too nice.
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