Glen Matlock has told Classic Rock the reason why The Rich Kids are re-forming to play the Islington O2 Academy in London on January 7.

“It’s because our guitarist Steve New is suffering from terminal cancer,” says the bassist. “So we want to try and raise some money for his family. I’d been thinking about doing something like this for a while, and then I spoke to Midge Ure (vocals) recently, and it went from there.”

The band, regarded as forerunners of  late 70s power-pop music, will reunite for the first time since they officially split in 1978, with Rusty Egan returning on drums.

“It’s amazing, but even though we’ve not played together for over 30 years, the chemistry is still there,” enthuses Matlock. “Will we take this further? Right now I don’t know. There’s talk of filming and recording the gig, plus we might think about something new… but let’s get the gig out of the way first.”

Joining The Rich Kids are a plethora of new wave and punk stars, including Carbon Silicon, featuring Mick Jones (who was an original member of the band) and Tony James, Viv Albertine (The Slits), Patti Paladin, Clive Langer and Steve Allen of Deaf School, and TV Smith.

“Gary Kemp from Spandau Ballet’s also gonna get up and do something with us, plus we’ve got Maggie Ronson (widow of Mick Ronson, who produced the only Rich Kids album, 1978’s Ghosts Of Princes In Towers) and Tracy Hunter (Ian Hunter’s daughter) on backing vocals.”

There are still a few tickets left for the show, but get down there early. Things kick off at 7pm.

Matlock has also suggested that things might not be done and dusted with the Sex Pistols.

“I know John (Lydon) has said it’s all over, but with us it’s always a case of never say never. We need a break after doing quite a lot of touring. But you can never tell with the Pistols.”