John Lydon - "I like New York" - 1983 Interview

John Lydon interviewed by Alan Bangs, October 31st 1983. Recorded by me from analogue satellite broadcast, VHS HiFi VCR, recording at SP onto JVC E240, tape archive 992 Digital archive 4057
#johnlydon #publicimage #80smusic

[@ScottishTeeVee]

1 of almost 2000 music videos on this channel, all taken from my videotape collection, click on the following link to see more www.youtube.com/@ScottishTeeVee/videos and scroll down for a few hours to see all of my videos😆

[@eoinhanley4185]

Wow , an interview with John Lydon where he actually likes something!

[@dang2443]

I know! Compliments about America, and talking like a nice normal person. Must have been a temporary aberration.

[@kimmyfreak200]

lol

[@ThomasGeist]

Alan Bangs did a great job here. Didn’t get intimidated and buttered by John like most other interviewers did.

[@witchsouthwest692]

@@ThomasGeist buttered by countrylife buttah I hope

[@glengamble526]

That’s not true! He actually also liked…not liking things.

[@tracyjacoby2382]

I love John, so young and gave props to Harvey Keitel. John ALWAYS tells it like it is, Bless him!🥰

[@firstnamelastname6193]

he doesn't "tell it like it is" - he's an angry person who only cares about himself and has a serious false sense of superiority.

[@alesprochazka5781]

@@firstnamelastname6193 true

[@WheezyLiam]

I feel like every interview I've seen of John, he looks like a kid getting grilled by his parents about something he did.

[@phoenixzappa7366]

Hahaaa very true

[@tatuco8]

One of the rare interviews in the early days where he let his guard down. You could see the vulnerability in him without his war paint on. He became uncomfortable with it and bolted. Good interview

[@eliaol4231]

Exactly.I suppose he felt vulnerable there

[@tomthomas9708]

You talk some sh1t.

[@redriderbbgun8018]

John is a smart & insightful chap, and I think he just got bored with the airhead interviewer and his probing, simplistic line of questioning. John just wants to know you're on his side and not trying to set him with invented drama like, I dunno, questions that imply he and Harvey Keitel didn't get along, that sort of thing.... Just my 2 cents.

[@georgewaters456]

I always thought the NYC era of PiL was really something to behold. Commercial Zone continues to be my favorite record, and 1983 was a great year to be in NYC as there was loads going on everywhere one looked. So glad I was there then myself !! Good interview, as I'm always curious to hear what John had to say about this point in his life.

[@ScottishTeeVee]

You were lucky to have been there George

[@baronsaturday9560]

I love older NY, must have been a great place to live!

[@sublime12201]

One of my favorite human beings

[@Sarah-gf9ed]

Mine too! Beautiful man inside and out ❤

[@Sarah-gf9ed]

@@smkxodnwbwkdns8369 What do you mean? Do you know him then?

[@Sarah-gf9ed]

@@smkxodnwbwkdns8369 I like him anyway. I speak as I find. When I met him he was lovely

[@Sarah-gf9ed]

@@smkxodnwbwkdns8369 Ok we'll agree to disagree on this one. I always speak as I find. I found him to be very nice. Nobody's perfect. There's always something about somebody. Take care.

[@speedking7224]

You can do much worse

[@jasonsned]

This is brilliant! John getting bored of the interview, nervous (look at the knee twitching or his he on speed?) and eventually walking away. And you know what?

[@takum6595]

John lydon in 1983 is really cool! The way he talks, the way he looks, the way he performs live, everything is so cool! I have a CD of Rockpalast Live 1983, which was recorded after this interview, and I listen to it every day.

[@martinfitzgerald1605]

'He's a good geezer'👏🏻👏🏻Cheers STV.

[@MikeMichaels1987]

I could listen to this GREAT man all day. Much respect to you Mr. Lydon.

[@denisefrontino1101]

John Lyndon...a definitely interesting soul 🌼 very down to earth

[@fullthrottle2008]

3:31 “Americans work a lot”.... not a commonly held perception but I think anyone who has spent any time in America would tend to agree 🤔 Great interview, looked like John liked the interviewer or was in a particularly good mood, thanks for uploading 👍

[@yupyup9488]

i think one would have to look at the era

[@swirlingfudge]

Agreed, John's relatively relaxed.

[@KarlHamilton]

Yep. Never seen him so relaxed.

[@charlesswitzer8378]

Constantly it seems--even the off days. I liked this interview too, even though the questioner sounded like a shrink haha.

[@johnhatchel9681]

Hence our success.

[@hunterdavis3003]

Johnny is a classic, great interview thank you!

[@jtbland]

This is the most agreeable I’ve ever seen him. His Sway interview is also pretty good and more recent.

[@kenon6968]

check out his interview with JJ Jackson, both him and Levene were very talkative during that one. Lydon doesn't seem to suffer fools lightly and musical journalism has no shortage of them

[@amyhoffman7980]

I love John. I saw this film. It's fantastic. John's acting is brilliant. Love the way he ends the interview too.

[@JulioAvalos3000]

Leave them wanting more.

[@johnbonaccorsi5378]

I've always wondered why persons such as you, here, with this comment you've posted, admire him. For the forty-five years that he's been in the public eye, he's been this same figure, chronically ingracious, giving, in response to every question that's put to him, a conversation-stopping answer, which the person to whom he's speaking must ignore for a moment before attempting to proceed with the interview or conversation or whatever it might be. I would think the only adjective for such a figure would be "obnoxious," yet you're rapt as you see him conducting himself in this way. You "love the way" he ends this interview; you love, in other words, that he leaves everyone with whom he interacts grasping, at every moment, for his or her own dignity. This comment of mine marks the first time I've ever addressed a Lydon enthusiast about this. I saw that your comment was posted just fourteen hours ago, so I've thought you might see what I've posted here and will reply to it. I'd think you'd be distressed if you had to deal with a person such as Lydon in your own everyday life, but you find him absolutely delightful as you observe him in his public life. Anything you'll choose to say to me about this will be appreciated.

[@johnbonaccorsi5378]

@orangeclawhammer777 What amazes me is that you think your tautological remark substantive. What doesn't amaze me---or what doesn't surprise me---is that your reply to my comment is as ingracious as he is. What also doesn't surprise me is that you find nothing objectionable in his behavior here. You've given me the reply I was pretty much expecting, though I was hoping for something else.

[@johnbonaccorsi5378]

@orangeclawhammer777 I've posted a detailed reply to your reply, but maybe it was too long for KZbin to present. Accordingly, I'll say simply thanks for your reply. I'm not sure I agree that Lydon is especially honest, and I probably wouldn't care if he is. Over the past few days, since I posted my original comment, I've seen clips that give me the impression he changed at some point over the past forty-five years. I don't know that I'd go so far as to say he's become well-mannered, but the outright nastiness, or at least some of it, is gone.

[@Detroit1967]

Alan Bangs is one of the top Radio/TV journalists in Germany.

[@Cl4rendon]

Nah, he`s a douchebag.

[@swirlingfudge]

04:32. Anyone else feel a sense of poignancy here? It's like for a split second he realised he'd summed up his life to that point

[@thedailyjab662]

Yep .... Looks like the tarnish came off ....and a person was revealed for a moment.

[@happybee7725]

John is actually really good in that movie cop killer/order of death. I’m suprised he never had a better acting career

[@andrewantill2978]

He did that butter advert

[@vikingson9000]

Happy Bee wasn't that the movie called Corrupt here in the states ?

[@happybee7725]

@@vikingson9000 actually I didn’t know that but I looked into it and your right its also called “corrupt” so this movie has 3 names 😂

[@vikingson9000]

@@happybee7725 crazy... but excellent movie ! been following since 76 🙂

[@baronsaturday9560]

Yeah, it's a nice movie, I like both Keitel and Lydon, the two of them fit well together in a weird way.

[@klaudijavorih5809]

Watched this interview a few months back in a poorer quality, thanks for uploading the clearer version of it!

[@ScottishTeeVee]

Im glad you enjoyed this, thanks for watching

[@susan3645]

Came to Copkiller through Russian Doll, a little late 😁 What a pleasant surprise to see John in a film. Loved him in the role!

[@ScottishTeeVee]

Thanks for watching and commenting Susan🙂

[@clairerutledge4084]

the is probably the best interview I"ve seen john john do!!!! ever

[@anthonyposso3764]

Same here man I loved New York too , was there at the same time ( work ethics ) and everything you said about living there , was such Great times 🤙🙌😃🌹

[@ScottishTeeVee]

Thanks for watching and commenting Anthony

[@markant9534]

Billy Conolly loved living there too.

[@fazbell]

First video I have seen where John is not "in character" to some extent. Seems totally natural here.

[@ivie3791]

he was so handsome 🙈

[@Sarah-gf9ed]

Thank you for these lovely videos of Johnny. Watching him always makes me happy, he is highly entertaining! LOL! He is a tonic!And oh so handsome! Love his honesty and integrity. I can always rely on him to keep me entertained! Whether it be reading his books, listening to his brilliant music or watching him on stage or on TV. He's certainly put a spell on me! LOL! So sad about his beautiful Nora. My heart goes out to them both. He is a good man with a kind heart. ❤❤

[@sofiaplatini3273]

I fancied johnny had a massive crush on him from 76-79.. I’m 60 now.. and looking at him on these old videos He still does something for me.

[@Sarah-gf9ed]

@@sofiaplatini3273 Yes he was gorgeous wasn't he? I am 49 so was too young to appreciate him back then as I was only a toddler but when I look at his younger self WOW! What a beauty! I still think he's very handsome now. Saw him last week with PIL in BristoI. Fantastic night! I couldn't take my eyes off him! I was at the front swooning then dancing and back to swooning again LOL!

[@sexobscura]

*your sympathy and appreciation is noted. Unfortunately, there are people suffering from her disease near you. I suggest, if your sympathy is genuine, that you seek them out and assist*

[@sexobscura]

@@Sarah-gf9ed *LMFAO*

[@sofiaplatini3273]

@Sarah I had the albums and the posters . I love PIL too.. fancier Keith Levine and josh wobble too back in the day..

[@theculturedthug6609]

The film with Harvey Keitel was bizarre but good. It's on KZbin if you want to watch it.

[@georgeclarke5551]

John also had an opportunity to be in one of my favorite films, Drugstore Cowboy, but PIL was on tour

[@trevormcshane4986]

John Lydon is a very Talented Guy,,,

[@infoscholar5221]

John has always had his shit together. Don't always like him, don't always agree, and he is deliberately a gadfly. most times, but he is always worth a listen.

[@eoinhanley4185]

I have got to see this movie !!

[@HittokiriBattousai17]

This man has so many interviews

[@anthonyposso3764]

Oh I loved the Movie , I saw it just a couple of years ago and never knew about it , Harvey Keitel👍Also, Great ensamble between the two

[@johnugaro7637]

Yeah Johnny Rotten

[@JillDinardo-mb6ii]

Love Johnny,and the film!!!

[@shuddupeyaface]

That guy with his "I'm so casual" floppyhands. Poor John.

[@ScottDaddyMac]

He was pretty affable during this interview surprisingly.

[@OldAussieAds]

I think of John Lydon as a little unpleasant but this is because he's honest. He doesn't sugar coat any truths. I guess the tobacco industry escaped his sights though.

[@BobbyGeneric145]

you ca tell the Johnny really respects this reporter... he's not taking the piss.

[@frankiemorris5866]

Wow the interviewer white socks and loafers those were the days 👞 😂

[@Lee_1971]

Well done ScottishTeeVee, despite of the technical limitations of the time, it's great quality. Mr J. Rotten always gets a bad rap by people who don't 'get' him, underneath all that swagger and attitude, is an articulate and very intelligent man.

[@Dan4x2282]

Great movie.

[@troygaspard6732]

Why have I never seen this film Cop Killer?

[@petelabeat]

Not that easy to find I suppose. If you do look for it, remember that it has four different titles. It has also been released as Corrupt, Corrupt Lieutenant (not to be confused with Bad Lieutenant also starring Harvey Keitel) and The Order of Death.

[@tankthelord1178]

Classic.

[@DAP-mi7ck]

Love his personality here... no major angst.

[@anonanon526]

I dunno why, but in my experience John has never really been propped up as an icon - not like Sid Vicious or Deborah Harry or even Iggy Pop - Maybe I just haven't looked hard. But really, what a pop icon he is. If he died I would be sad.

[@brando7266]

He's respected by people that know music,

[@silentaction]

He's too real to be some kind of retarded pop "icon".

[@aarondoodles3380]

He looked cool with longer hair in Copkiller aka "order of death"

[@RKStrikerJK5]

This was a good interview. :)

[@djeffreydowney6736]

With good journalist, good interview

[@ianwhitehead691]

Public image Ltd ♥️ 🇬🇧✌🏻

[@erikmolnar6585]

Not too long after the Pistols, abd his voice is deeper. Did he finish going through puberty or did NY have an influence? Great guy. Love his 2 books. Everyone writes one but Lydon put out 2 great autobiographies. He should have got more film offers!

[@yanny9287]

His vocals/voice had probably (seasoned) by this point from blasting them for a few years, that along with partying etc will deepen them too. Speaking from personal perspective here anyway. 😎🤘🏻🎸

[@iamyourfuture808]

good stuff

[@ScottishTeeVee]

Thank you

[@deanstanley5799]

Would have made a good baddie actor old John !

[@davedogge2280]

I didn't know that Harvey Keitel was in a movie with Johnny Rotten ! whaaat !

[@ScottishTeeVee]

Oh yeah, 39 years ago, you can pick it up on Ebay DVD for a few pounds.

[@riverside1266]

The Order of Death

[@chrisgarlick5833]

"I'm an ego maniac" You can say that again ha ha. I like a John here. Shame he's this bloated Daily Mail, Piers Morgan fan now

[@EddyTeetree]

You wouldn’t like it now mate.

[@kennybegeske8824]

Johnny Rotten is Speaking Clearly

[@tompanoname3579]

Looking at John here, I think Ryan Gossling could pull out great performance as Rotten. It is soooo hard to find someone who can do that. A. Cox's Rotten was horrible! Also, this new "Pistol" is more Klaus Kinski then John, as someone said...

[@sexobscura]

*Just leave him alone to do WHATEVER it is he wants to do without ANY interference, would ya*

[@wyverntheterrible]

Never realised how fucking weird his ears are lol

[@willalwaystelehandler8450]

Good movie it worked,

[@atosz3009]

I LIKE SCOTTISH !!!.

[@stringer-ik1pc]

How lucky this guy is, that malcolm mclaren put together a manufactured band.

[@vikingson9000]

stringer 2295 are you saying he would not have had any musical success with out Malcolm ? Well you know what they say about opinions ?

[@garynewton1263]

I like Chicago!

[@skawashers]

big question. Who can i ask about some of the music used in The Great Rock N Roll Swindle. I`m after what is or who wrote the music used in the train scene in the film. With Malcolm and the sue cat-woman lookalike , a nice piece of music is used . Its a classical sounding strings piece . Its never been credited on the soundtrack LPs or IMDB . Was it written especially for the film or is it a known piece. I have been through hours of composers who it might be Charles Williams, Benjamin Britten. But i`m still coming up with nothing... So who was the orchestra used in the film. and what was the tune called. It has been puzzling me for over 30 years .

[@ScottishTeeVee]

No idea, but I'd certainly be interested to know as I have wondered about this in the past.

[@troutfishingchannel9694]

I think you may be talking about "Whirlwind" by Queen's Hall Light Orchestra with Charles Williams.

[@winstonoiu6614]

He stated in one of his interviews he was acting, i believe he had to act like that sometimes to keep the punk in him going.

[@vordman]

John likes to keep quiet that he's fabulously wealthy through marriage. Doesn't sit well with the punk image. Notice how quickly he dismissed the question the interviewer asked about it being expensive to live in New York.

[@sukie584]

It wasn’t expensive to live there in the early 80s at all. I paid 275 incl utilities for my share of the top floor of a brownstone in Park Slope, & no rent increases. Late 80s is when rents started to creep up.

[@gcroller93]

They could of kept him forever if they just asked interesting questions aha

[@ScottishTeeVee]

The guy doing the interview was always like this, short interviews, I have never seen him do a really good memorable interview.

[@ozzie-sk9dh]

Who is Harvey Coytle? Never heard of him? 😐

[@ScottishTeeVee]

😆

[@chrispercival9789]

Im not sure Lydon has ever done anything proactive, isnt everything he's done reacting to something else? Whats his creative idea?

[@NITE_SHIFTING]

👍

[@NITE_SHIFTING]

@@zakaryaphoto379 for sure. I am! 👍

[@ralphwinter6421]

Gud Vid..

[@ScottishTeeVee]

Thanks Ralph

[@shanestep8685]

it looks like J.L. wasn't too bothered from the ramones' beer trick. c'est bon

[@katoness]

Boo, Hiss.......

[@Ursdemars]

????

[@katoness]

@@Ursdemars John says it at the end. Did you not watch?

[@hmpz36911]

Johnny Rotten let 8 dudes run a train on him in NYC back in the 90s.

[@edwardnobles6418]

That movie was terrible.His power he had through music was demolished in that film.

[@bristolfashion4421]

it is like that other one with the sausages - he play the violin, innit...

[@hunterdavis3003]

What film are they talking about with Harvey keitel?

[@ScottishTeeVee]

I knew it here in the UK as "Order of Death" it was released with other names such as "Copkiller" or "Corrupt". The best quality version was released in 2017 on the "Code Red" label on Blu Ray in the USA

[@brando7266]

I saw the movie,horrible, Johnny can't act,

[@rafael4751]

cool a british guy likes ny

[@888ssss]

john 'vaccine silence' lydon.......

[@carltondabott8909]

Dispite being a little pretentious with the pronouncing of Keitel etc. - the interviewer was quiet disarming and you could see John unusually open.

[@richardbritain7435]

It's a shame he's such an absolute nob end, even now.

[@matoko123]

Why is it a shame?

[@decaffeinatedafrican5997]

what'd you expect of him? to be morrissey?

[@cleopatra1633]

Indeed, German overdubbing is atrocious, and they are still doing it. Should be forbidden, it kills the art of movies completely.

[@ScottishTeeVee]

It is really annoying. I have a good interview with Robert Smith from The Cure which is so overdubbed that it is almost impossible to hear a single word.

[@aaronsaunders6974]

cop killers--you mean the one from 1973? i seen the trailer 2 that; it was cheesy 🤭

[@fpicc8807]

Who would of thought he become MAGA.

[@kookadams85]

Look at how the interviewer has his legs crossed.... like a woman. That's gotta hurt his teabags.

[@MarriedToTheKGB]

the interviewer was a bit programmed and unnatural and awkward

[@PS987654321PS]

Completely agree. The interviewer is very uncool.

[@marklaronde6614]

Rotten or Lydon or whatever he called himself back then was so not interesting....

[@Squival138]

interestin enough for you to watch and comment on a 40 or so yr old vid about him ha ha ha

[@marklaronde6614]

@@Squival138 And come to an obvious conclusion.....

[@marklaronde6614]

@TTFPouyi ok sheep...

[@dmerls8571]

Lydon/PIL never made a good song after 1983. Iconic voice and look for a few years but dismally non-musical thereafter and an early practitioner of useless banter culture. Did the world no good.

[@generalmorose3523]

I adore Rotten but the movie stinks.

[@ryanOGab]

What a horrible man 🤢🤮

[@decaffeinatedafrican5997]

how lmao

[@I_Have_The_Most_Japanese_Music]

I don't know why the tourism people weren't all over this.