Sex Pistols star Glen Matlock speaks ahead of solo tour coming to Wolverhampton's Newhampton Arts Centre

Former Sex Pistols bassist Glen Matlock is about to embark on a one-man tour - the man who once provided the low end for the punk icons' sonic assault now taking to the stage with just an acoustic guitar and his voice.

It is the first solo tour of this kind for Glen, but since leaving behind the infamy of his first band, he has become something of a prolific work horse in the world of rock music.

First came The Rich Kids, a mini super group featuring Midge Ure and Rusty Egan, with much of the 80s spent writing and touring with Iggy Pop.

In the 90s, he recorded solo albums for Creation Records, arguably the biggest label of the decade, before reforming the Pistols in 1996.

Since the turn of the millennium he has taken part in numerous Pistols comebacks, a Faces reunion, and recorded a series of albums with his band The Philistines.

In the last month alone, he has continued writing for his new solo album, preparing for his tour, which comes to Wolverhampton's Newhampton Arts Centre on November 10, as well as touring with Heaven 17.

On the eve of the start of his winter tour, he said: "I am really looking forward to it, its something a bit different but I think it will be great.

"It is an extension of a show I put together for the Edinburgh Fringe festival in 2014, so I will be performing songs from throughout my career, mixed in with chats with the audience.

"I have done a lot of work over the years but have always made sure that it meant something, it was rooted in reality somewhere, so there is a story behind every song that will be told.

"It can be intimidating having just an acoustic guitar to go on stage with, but that is a reason to go for it, rather than avoid it.

"I often have a joke with the audience and say they have the opportunity to all become backing singers for the night.

"I think that is something that has stuck with me from family holidays when I was younger.

"You can take the man out of Butlins but you can't take Butlins out of the man."

Glen will always be best known for his part in writing Never Mind The B******s, Here's The Sex Pistols.

Released in October 1977, it is the group's one and only contribution to the world of rock music but it inspired more bands than most musicians could ever dream of, with the likes of Oasis, The Jam, Joy Division, The Smiths, The Buzzcocks and more all owing a debt to its 12 tracks.

It is an album still regarded as something more than simply music.

Instead, it is seen as a cornerstone of British counter-culture and a symbol of a time when music really could change the world.

Looking back on the album just over 39 years after its release, Glen said: "It is something I am proud of, it was a long, long time ago now and is very much of its time.

"I think the words are still as relevant as when it first came out, the world was a scary place then and it still is."

When compared to the ever caustic Johnny Rotten or the natural rebel Steve Jones, it is easy to view Matlock as the 'quiet' Sex Pistol.

Indeed, rumours still persist that he was asked to leave the band for being 'too conservative', even after all these years as a road-hardened rock and roller.

A discussion about new music proves there is still some punk left in Matlock, who claims there isn't enough 'soul' in the charts today.

He said: "I have to admit I don't listen to too much new music.

"There are a few alright bands, Biffy Clyro, The 1975, but then you've got Coldplay who I just hate.

"There isn't enough soul in music, I think that is something that has been lost over the years.

"Put it this way, I do still get out to gigs, but the best show I have seen for many years was earlier this year and it was Iggy Pop at the Royal Albert Hall.

"I was completely blown away, the songs, the band, the crowd, everything was perfect and I put it up there with some of the best gigs I've ever seen.

"It is nice to still be recognised by the bands of today though, I am actually just going out to the Q Awards, where I have been asked to present an award.

"I will probably spend the majority of the day surrounded by the corporate types though, maybe I will stick a foot out and try and make sure some champagne is spilled on the floor."

An Evening With Glen Matlock comes to Newhampton Arts Centre on November 10 - general admission tickets cost £20 and VIP meet and greet tickets cost £35, excluding booking fee.

To purchase, visit newhamptonarts.co.uk

By Jordan Harris