There’s a special relationship between drummers and bass players. And while Blondie’s Clem Burke and former Sex Pistol Glen Matlock may not actually be husband and wife, they bicker with such unselfconscious, freeflowing ease that they might as well be.
We join the pair of transatlantic punk rock legends in Colchester. They’re in the UK’s oldest recorded town to play with Lust For Life (a Katie Puckrik-fronted band of Iggy Pop alumni). Drinks have been poured, and Glen – full of cold in cap and scarf – is just embarking upon a story concerning late Faces keyboard player Ian McLagan as Clem, suited, booted, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, every inch the rock star, bursts through the dressing room door.
Glen: Yeah, Mac was great, a lovely bloke, funny…
Clem: I knew Ian too. I actually did two records with him.
Glen: Anyway, back to…
Clem: I’m talking now.
Glen: I was just in the middle of talking and you butted in. I was about to tell a story, but never mind…
Clem[Slightly tetchy] Go ahead then, Glen. Don’t let me interrupt you.
[After a long, heavy sigh] I was very fortunate to do some shows with the Faces,putting me off.” And I looked round and there was Jeff Beck standing on the side of the stage. So I said: “Mac, he might be a great guitarist, but I bet he can’t play the piano like you.” He went: “Alright then” and got on with it.
