By Lisa Morgan –
When the super group comprised of Clem Burke (Blondie/Eurythmics), Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols/Rich Kids/Iggy Pop/ The Faces), James Stevenson (Generation X/The Alarm/Gene Loves Jezebel) and Gary Twinn (Supernaut/Twenty Flight Rockers) got together over wine to form a group and a name, their only thought was to change the word “English” to “International” so as not to exclude American drummer, Clem Burke. They gave no thought whatsoever to the innocent google-er/feature writer searching for news on the newly formed rock contingent and the unsolicited education said writer would be subjected to as she researched. Still, it is befitting of the “warriors of the punk, new wave, glam era who led onslaughts upon the pop charts scoring hit songs despite being infamously banned from the radio.” Each individual member of the International Swingers has secured a place in music history, having influenced the face of rock and roll as we know it today. They come together now, for the sheer love of music and the magic that’s made when they make that music together. We can only hope that the Date Shed stage can bear up under the weight of the greatness that will be displayed on it this weekend.
Glen Matlock: Matlock was the original bass player and songwriter for the infamous and ground breaking Sex Pistols, regarded as one of the most influential acts in the history of popular music. Their 1977 single God Save the Queen for which he was responsible, attacked social conformity and deference to the Crown, and precipitated the “last and greatest outbreak of pop-based moral pandemonium” according to The Observer, London. The notorious Sid Vicious stood in Matlock’s place for a spell in early ’77 but the band announced its break up by ’78 with the departure of Johnny Rotten. Vicious died of a heroin overdose in ‘79. In 1996, Rotten, Jones, Cook and Matlock reunited for the Filthy Lucre Tour and other reunion shows from 2002 on. On 24 February 2006, the Sex Pistols—the four original members plus Vicious—were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but they refused to attend the ceremony, calling the museum “a piss stain” as reported in Rolling Stone Magazine. Glen has worked on a number of other projects including forming The Rich Kids, a new wave power pop band with Steve New and Midge Ure and has also worked with Iggy Pop, the Godfather of Punk as well as rock-a-billy icon Robert Gordon with The Damned.
When asked what we can look forward to in an upcoming show, Glen said, “It’s a good fun night. The musicians are at the top of their ability; they’ve reached the top of their technical prowess. We’ve kind of knit really well as a band. A good band is about the chemistry and having the whole be better than the sum of the parts. We’ve got that. Basically we’re a covers band, but we cover our own songs. I think we’re allowed to do that, you know?”
Clem Burke: The New Jersey born drummer was passed up at an audition for Patti Smith in in 1975. Burke went on to prove that Patti’s loss was New York band Blondie’s gain. The bullish beat-smith drove Blondie straight into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was responsible for the bands ability to play a successful fusion of punk, pop, disco, rap, and rock and roll. His signature style and rhythms are engrained into every facet of rock and roll history. During the 80’s and 90’s, while Blondie was on hiatus, Burke performed with Bob Dylan, the Eurythmics, Iggy Pop, Joan Jett, Wanda Jackson, Nancy Sinatra, The Romantics, Pete Townshend, Dramarama, The Fleshtones, and even had a short gig with the Ramones (to name a few). The BBC announced in July of 2011 that Burke was to receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Gloucestershire in response to his drumming project, an analysis of the physical and psychological effects of drumming.
James Stevenson: Stevenson started his career with the London-based punk band Chelsea in 1977, while he was still at school studying for exams. He joined Billy Idol in Generation X in 1980 around the time the band’s “Dancing with Myself” single was released. After Generation X, Stevenson played for Kim Wilde, contributing to her first album Kim Wilde and second album Select. He became an MTV sensation for his performances in all Wilde’s early videos including “Kids in America” forever branding the Gibson Les Paul as his trademark. Stevenson also graced the stage with The Cult and The Alarm.
In 1985 he was asked to join post-punk band Gene Loves Jezebel performing on the band’s albums Discover, House of Dolls, Kiss of Life, Heavenly Bodies, VII and The Thornfield Sessions co-writing many songs including the hit single “Jealous”. He also produced Gene Loves Jezebel singer Jay Aston’s solo album Unpopular Songs as well as Beki Bondage’s solo album Cold Turkey, among others.
Gary Twinn: I had the pleasure of catching up with Gary after he returned from a run along the beach in Santa Monica. Pressed for time, he graciously gave me a very likeable and unhurried inside look to the personality that fronts The International Swingers. Prior to bringing this historic musical synthesis together, Twinn left his own footprints in music history as the front man for the glam punk rock band Supernaut. His song, “I Like it Both Ways” caused huge media hysteria and a radio ban that seemed to only propel the band into even greater popularity breaking down the barriers of a mundane Aussie music scene. I asked him if this new union was going to push the envelope like they did in their early years. He responded in his endearing Aussie accent, “Are you asking if we’re going to show up with pipes and slippers? No! We plan on giving it our all!” Begging his pardon, I rephrased my question and referred to the controversy surrounding I Like it Both Ways and asked if we would be hearing more songs along the lines of those early comfort stripping, boundary pushing, anti-establishment, lyrically poignant collections. “I was really quite naïve in those early days. I never intended or expected the song to provoke the response that it did. I had a band member whom I knew was gay and I was too shy to tell him I knew, so I wrote a song about it. It was a good thing, I guess, we broke down some barriers…. We (The International Swingers) really love playing together and put on a great show. We want the audience to come right up to the foot of the stage and ask questions…shout out requests.” Twinn was excited to hear of the intimate, up-close venue the Date Shed provides.
According to local musician and live music promoter, Brandon Henderson, “The Date Shed is in for a real treat. When the International Swingers first came to the Coachella Valley in late June of 2012, I was honored and blown away that I had the opportunity to host them and do sound for their set at The Hood Bar in Palm Desert. They are true veterans of rock and roll, and all of them are still very on top of their game. They make young guys like me tell ourselves, ‘I need to fucking practice my instrument(s) way more.’”
The International Swingers will be going into the studio in February to record some new originals. And they’ll be scheduling their tour sometime around Blondie’s tour this summer. Check out their website at theinternationalswingers.com and follow them on Facebook. But don’t waste a whole lot of time behind your computer or your smart phone. You have an opportunity to see some founding fathers of whatever rock and roll you’re listening to now. In the words of Pennie Layne, writer for LABest.com, “Catch their live set when they’re in your neck of the woods and you will indeed be a lucky one to witness first hand these living legends throwing down at what they do best and taking no prisoners!” Be sure to get there early, and if you get there early, tell them Lisa from Coachella Valley Weekly said you could have a free “I <3 The International Swingers” pin.
