Photos and Review by Raven Divito
@rockinshots

Legendary Punk Rocker Glen Matlock and The Maestros Ignite Great American Music Hall with
Explosive Performance and Iconic Setlist

The Great American Music Hall became a crucible of punk rock energy and rebellion on the electrifying night of Wednesday, January 24th, as the legendary Glen Matlock, original bassist of the iconic Sex Pistols, took center stage with his newest musical endeavor, Glen Matlock and The Maestros.

The air was charged with anticipation as Matlock, alongside a cadre of seasoned musicians including the illustrious Clem Burke, the incomparable Gilby Clarke, and the dynamic Steve Fishman, unleashed a torrent of sonic brilliance in support of their latest release, Consequences Coming.

As the crowd surged with excitement, the atmosphere crackled with the promise of an unforgettable evening. The anticipation hung thick in the air, mingling with the scent of sweat and anticipation. This was not just another concert, it was a pilgrimage for punk aficionados and music enthusiasts alike.

With an aura of defiance and determination, Matlock and The Maestros launched into their set with the ferocity of a hurricane. The opening chords of “God Save The Queen,” the seminal anthem of rebellion and defiance, reverberated through the hall, setting the stage for what would be a night of unbridled musical intensity. Fishman’s bass throbbed with a primal energy, driving the rhythm forward like a locomotive of sound, while Burke’s thunderous drumming provided the backbone upon which the tapestry of sound unfolded.

From the blistering fury of “Blank Generation” to the introspective introspection of “Consequences Coming,” each song served as a testament to Matlock’s enduring influence and innovation in the realm of punk rock. Clarke’s searing guitar solos soared through the air like fiery phoenixes, igniting the crowd with their incandescent brilliance, while Fishman’s thunderous basslines reverberated through the venue like seismic waves, shaking the very foundations of the building.

But it was not just the music that captivated the audience, it was the palpable sense of camaraderie and connection that permeated the air. Matlock’s charismatic presence and infectious energy drew the crowd into his orbit, transforming the concert into an intimate and immersive experience. As he engaged with the audience, bantering and joking between songs, it was clear that this was more than just a performance, it was a shared journey through the annals of punk rock history.

The setlist was a veritable smorgasbord of punk rock classics and deep cuts, spanning Matlock’s illustrious career from his days with the Sex Pistols to his solo endeavors and beyond. Each song was a revelation, a testament to the enduring power of punk rock as a vehicle for social commentary and cultural critique.

From the anthemic fervor of “Pretty Vacant” to the haunting melancholy of “Ghosts of Princes in Towers,” Matlock and band delivered a performance that transcended the boundaries of time and space, transporting the audience to a realm where music was the ultimate form of expression and rebellion.

As the final chords of “All or Nothing” reverberated through the hall, the audience erupted into thunderous applause, their voices merging with the cacophony of sound to create a symphony of jubilation and exultation. For one fleeting moment, time stood still, and the world outside faded into oblivion, leaving only the music and the magic of Glen Matlock and The Maestros.

In the end, as the last echoes of applause faded into the night, there was a sense of profound satisfaction and fulfillment in the air. For those fortunate enough to bear witness to this musical extravaganza, it was a night that would be etched into the annals of punk rock history – a night of rebellion, nostalgia, and sonic brilliance.

And as the crowd spilled out into the street, their hearts still pounding with the rhythm of the music, they knew that they had been a part of something truly special.

Frankie and the Studs, fronted by Gilby Clarke’s daughter, kicked off the night as the opening band with serious talent. This was their first time playing in the Bay Area, and they were a perfect warm-up act.

Frankie and her band delivered raw-gritty punk songs in “Hole in My Head,” “Victim,” and “Fuck This Shit.”

The band tapped into a couple covers, “Can’t Stand You” by the Ramones, and “Venus” by The Shocking Blue. I know for certain they gained some new fans in Northern California with their incredible performance at GAMH. Frankie and The Studs have a bright future ahead!