John Lydon - The British Masters - Chapter 8

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John Doran meets up with Sex Pistols and PiL frontman John Lydon aka Johnny Rotten, in the eighth chapter of The British Masters, a series featuring the most influential and colourful figures from British popular music, including Bryan Ferry and Johnny Marr.
Lydon airs his opinions on why The Clash have no right to imitate black music and how we won't need governments for much longer. We also hear how Miles Davis terrified him and about Harvey Keitels 'method acting' with real loaded guns.
PiL UK October Tour 2013
12th October- Bristol O2 Academy
13th October- Bournemouth O2 Academy
16th October- Liverpool O2 Academy
17th October- Leeds O2 Academy
18th October- Glasgow O2 ABC
20th October- Birmingham O2 Academy
21st October- London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
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Previous episodes:
Bryan Ferry • Roxy Music's Bryan Fer...
Johnny Marr • Johnny Marr - The Brit...
Tricky • Tricky - The British M...
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[@vantagestudios]

Always loved Johnny. Always will. 100% the real deal. Doesn't give a flip about what the world expects of pop stars and never will. What a diamond. A true artist.

[@lesleybrown504]

You can tell John really likes the guy talking to him because he gives a shit about his work and knows a little about what he's lived through. Great interview.

[@KowankoMusic]

Lydon's approximately 50% contradictory, self-regarding and full-of-shit and 50% compassionate, humble and wise. He's maddeningly all over the place but I'm a fan for life and will always come back for more.

[@bobayre7759]

I met John in a bar in LA many years ago and he was in a very grumpy mood as a few fans going up and wanting to ask about the pistols etc. could see he could not be arsed that day. He came and sat at the bar near me and as Newcastle had beat Arsenal the week before i took the opportunity to take the piss. His eyes lit up and proceeded to have a drink and talk shite about football for 30 mins with me. Just a nice bloke at the end of the day.

[@sexobscura]

I listened to John in pub from another table. He talked as though he were a lord amidst his subjects, merely there to adulate and imbibe his wisdom. He sounded like a petulant child who needed some friends. He was also drunk. As the evening progressed, he began slurring whatever pitiful tripe he could muster from his lips to those silly enough to think he was good company. Maybe they found him funny. I know that I did (in a 'pathetic is funny' kind of way). I left with a new way of looking at a famous man who revealed himself as no more than a lonely fool

[@KowankoMusic]

@@sexobscura over the five years since I wrote that comment, Lydon's noticeably lost his marbles and I've worked with a bunch of people who know Lydon well and my estimation of the man is unfortunately dropping.

[@Pingaheimer]

He just says whatever is on his mind at any given moment, that's the problem lol. Absolutely no filter.

[@Pingaheimer]

@@KowankoMusic let me guess, u don't like his politics. ugh, boring. Well, keep this in mind; ‘If You Are Not a Liberal When You Are Young, You Have No Heart, and If You Are Not a Conservative When Old, You Have No Brain’

[@Gumbypotty]

John Lydon does speak his mind, so in that sense he is honest, but people make the mistake to think that he is some kind of wise guru. He is not. He's just a guy who likes to talk, and he has contradicted himself countless times. He can have a good point here and there, but also say a lot of bullshit.

[@jimmyj5526]

Spot on

[@samwitts2394]

agree with your comment. but I prefer artists/musicians etc who at least speak their mind whether people agree or not. Kind of think everyone is entitled to contradict opinions because it means they have changed

[@marcrich176]

Gumbypotty exactly.he'll day he's a London boy.english born and bred then say that he and Mandela have the same views.no races no colour

[@voyeurcoma638]

Sam Witts you have just made the most sensible comment on this forum.

[@MrSchmolko]

he's the guru of honesty.

[@PeaceDweller]

The interviewer looks like a roadie for Deep Purple circa 1976

[@PinkyPuff69]

Peace Dweller That's funny! Thanks.

[@ludwigfan3013]

He looks like he could be Lemmy's son

[@VenusSpirit]

Nothing wrong with that - he knows his stuff ;))

[@rem299]

look like krist from nirvana.

[@mrbigstuff6149]

looks like Christ from Bethlehem

[@Mistressofthegroove]

A classic example of when a well informed interviewer gets the best out of an interviewee, absolute gold, Lydon at his intelligent, engaging self.

[@waynesilverman3048]

He is intelligent forget what the comments above say

[@Robhalifax]

He's as contradictory as hell, but always interesting.

[@Carl-im9gh]

Rob J interesting has to do with character or wisdom, this guy (jonny rotten) has none. he is an arrogant twat, hes a liar and a thief, he's the pits. thank god he moved to America. he is not an English gent selling butter, he is a total SELL OUT.

[@rigsby1454]

+carl 123 you seem a nice bloke

[@gromitpesley]

SepticSceptic Mark E Smith or John Lydon?

[@sheelindecor7593]

@@Carl-im9gh No such thing as an "English gent" They're all cunts.

[@Carl-im9gh]

@don dony Its Your not ur!

[@FenderJazzStudent]

This is by far (there's no comparison that I've seen), the best, most civil, and thoughtful interview with Lydon. That's really why I heartily enjoy John Doran's interviewing style, and all Noisey content seems to be of the highest quality, regarding how musicians are treated.

[@MattyStevensonBishop]

I saw someone say he just starts shit to be difficult and is a drama queen. This interview shows how willing John Lydon is to be kind, accommodating even, to journalists who ask intelligent questions and show respect for him on just a basic level

[@JorgeRFC]

Great to see Neil from The Young Ones doing well.

[@sydbarrett5]

"I'd say something but no one ever listens to me anyway. I may as well be a Leonard Cohen record."

[@lilgreeneyesp637]

Hahahaaa...... 😂🤣 Neil frm the young ones

[@xdef1ne]

LMAO

[@Joethefro456]

Heavyyyyy

[@modsskinssoulies2655]

😂😂😂😂

[@cypherks]

One of the BEST Lydon interviews I've seen. John Doran is not the typical media jackass. Thanks for putting this up, much appreciated.

[@lisareynolds3824]

What an absolutely lovely interviewer firstly. Respectful, laid back and full of great, interesting questions .. and John Lydon, what a legend. Uncompromisingly himself and inherently a nice bloke who fiercely loves his family and friends, is passionate about so many things and has so many stories to tell. He really is a national treasure, a British Master.

[@terrythekittieful]

The interviewer was excellent,..never seen him before, quietly asking the questions, not interrupting, into his music, not carrying on like an American talk show host. More please.

[@stephenjones529]

Johnny Lydon, national treasure, very profound and intelligent, a humble man of integrity who talks sense, could listen to him all day

[@haazeMAX]

'I just hung out with The Congos'.. That's the most kick-ass namedropping I've ever heard.

[@carolmorrison6075]

Thank you for this, it’s is one of the best interviews I’ve seen with John, he seems very relaxed and therefore forthcoming. Brilliant

[@edmundgkenny]

Doran is THE best music journalist out there. Also in terms of his awareness of the KZbin medium - the fact that there is always video material for you search for on KZbin. These 10 minute clips can end up lasting 30 mins if you go after all the things they're talking about.

[@novembaer69]

One of the very best interviews I`ve ever seen ! Mr. Doran doesn`t have to act like beeing cool, he simply is. And he asks new, intelligent questions. I guess John Lydon enjoyed it ,too !

[@klsteady]

Great series. Great interviews. John Lydon = National Treasure

[@DJPANINO]

Dude I fuckin' love this journalist. Is one of the few people serious about his job, being very competent and serious about what he's talking about and who's dealing with. It's hard to find someone prepared and dedicated nowadays. Thank you.

[@arcitejack]

2 blokes who respect each other. Thinks it’s the first time I’ve seen John like this.

[@321theface]

When of the best interviews i've seen with Lydon for a long time .. Well done to the chap doing it !

[@dezmunkychow9]

I love Johnny rotten. He tells the truth and doesn't sugar coat it!

[@9imack]

Gotta love the man. Seen him stand like an non-moving rock in the sea of music & media bullshit for 40 years now & although he's evolved as a human being, like them or not, his principles have always remained the same. He's like some anti-bullshit warrior who ploughs his own path, regardless of media or public opinion & whether he likes the title or not, he most certainly is & always will be a 'National Treasure'. Plus, I totally get why the Ramones thing irks him - the Ramones may have been one of the first Punk bands but the 'Pistols were PUNK! It's as simple as that & Never Mind The Bollocks is undoubtedly one of the greatest albums of all time & probably THE greatest debut album EVER! Respect due.

[@bladesmark1]

Gotta love the man??? He talks utter bollocks

[@strumbolli]

He never even slightly sold out or became a parody of his former self.

[@keithrichards9034]

dID THE SEXPISTOLS PLAY ON THEIR OWN ALBUM? I HEARD IT WAS SESSION MUSICIANS COS THE PISTOLS COULDNT PLAY ANYTHING.

[@9imack]

Actually that's not true at all. It was rumoured (by mainly Malcolm McClaren after it all fell apart) that Chris Spedding, who was a good session guitarist (& one of the Wombles, strangely enough) & sound tech at the studio where 'Never Mind The Bollocks' was recorded had played on the album but I've seen an interview with Chris himself where he not only refuted this but stated (as many other musicians have also said) that Steve Jones is a much better guitarist than he's given credit for & he played all the guitar parts & much of the bass on the album. This was because Glen Matlock had left before the album & Sid couldn't keep time well enough. The drums were all Cook & Jonny obviously sang.

[@bladesmark1]

Keith Richards When Sid joined the group he couldn't play a note and they had a bass player backstage playing for him

[@dreamcatcher3622]

You have to love him - a beacon of genuine, intelligent working class honesty - makes me proud to be working class myself.

[@emmmoo8631]

except alot pf 'working class' are just thick really, John Lydon is an exceptional individual and no way does any working class uk person come close!

[@dreamcatcher3622]

@@emmmoo8631 yeah, that's entry level trolling at best - up your game or don't bother.

[@dreamcatcher3622]

@Carl Carter Avery good point. Yes, I think it does, but there are no longer working class areas - they are mixed class neighborhoods now , so that sense of unity is gone.

[@theplourde]

Favorite thing that John said "It's like cornballs" in reference to the Mumfords. Genius.

[@Maryonpark]

He's a great interviewer, I'm impressed. he actually allows the subject to talk and it's not all about him like most interviewers on tv these days.

[@Pulse2AM]

I like his music but just because you talk with conviction and authority doesn't mean you're right.

[@metalinl-a1128]

True, Hes only Human. When did he become a politician? Think

[@emmmoo8631]

he knows what he is talking about unlike a##wipes like you!

[@garsm2290]

Lydon is very rich. But he likes money a a lot - and has always used controversy to attract attention and make money. Like his stuff on Brexit. The amazing things is that there are mugs who swallow the nonsense that he is "anti-establishment".

[@underdawg2743]

He's a musician and many of his views reflect a musician's utopian worldview. You don't read into it like it's some kind of political manifesto....

[@gordonbrownpm3853]

@@garsm2290 Wanting to leave the EU is "establishment" now is it? You poor deluded loser. I suppose you think Boris Johnson and the Tories were the force behind Leave

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

When John Lydon talks about The Clash pissing their 'lemon scented panties' (whatever that means) when they ended up in Jamaica he forgets that Paul Simonon was raised in Brixton and Ladbroke Grove, at that time the centre for Jamaican culture in Britain, and Mick Jones was from Welsh and Russian Jewish heritage, also raised on the streets of South London. This is directly comparable to his own upbringing. They worked with Lee Perry in 1977, before Lydon went to Jamaica with Don Letts and 'hung out with the congos'. The Clash had already been exploring alternative musical routes like reggae and dub by the time P.I.L. released their first recordings. He talks about them as if they were middle class interlopers, not the real deal 'man'. I like John, I really do. But I find a lot of what he says dubious. He reinterprets the past to suit the present, his present. He calls white RnB bands of the 1960's racists!? then goes on to extol his love of disco...really.

[@SI-cd7xs]

Nah he wasn't raised there he wasn't even from London, just moved there for 'cred' - basically a modern day 'hackney hipster'

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

Who are you talking about?

[@Heston68]

@@SI-cd7xs Simonon and Jones were both raised in Brixton.

[@fourtoes412]

Great interview! John actually opens his soul!

[@CountNickula]

I will always proudly declare my fanaticism for both Lydon, the Pistols, and PiL. However, I disagree with alot of what Lydon said during the The Clash/Jamaica part of the interview. The Clash DID have close-ties with the black English population. Simonon grew up in Brixton which from what I understand was a center of Jamaican culture in England. Also and more importantly, being influenced by a genre of music associated with a certain race isn't at all racism. If anything it's show of respect to other races. Nonetheless, Lydon was one of the best frontmen in punk. Period.

[@SI-cd7xs]

+Kaiser Kaktus he didn't grow up there he moved there to get his street cred up. think white ppl moving into bedstuy brooklyn nowadays

[@devilsforkdigital1490]

Really, he moved house specifically to "get street cred". Do you realize how fucking stupid you sound?

[@charlottemunroe5127]

Nick Naaasty exactly what went through my head as Lydon said that

[@johnheaviside596]

Excellently stated Nick. I always respect the ability to deliver constructive critique with that respect a humans growth potential. I wish More people would tune into your type of attitude before delivering the derisive tone critique so en vogue instead these days.

[@dbag3345]

Devils Fork Digital now who's naive

[@RottenSpice]

Really great interview. I had the honor of meeting John last year for the first time and he was the nicest man I've ever met. He's so smart and caring (I burst into tears because I was so overwhelmed and he was genuinely concerned) and a true class act. You always hope when you meet your heroes that they won't turn out to be twats and John was the best of the best.

[@petertaylorarts]

John totally nailed this one. Best JR interview

[@TheIkaraCult]

Its so beautiful the way he talks about Death Disco

[@TOSILENCE77]

I've met Lydon. Nice humble guy. At the PIL gig I went to he laid into the stewards and security for harassing the crowd and being over zealous. Takes an old boy make that stand, whilst the young band today would say nothing.

[@bauhausa6933]

Humble?Really?

[@wrobinnes]

Great interview! Excellent questions!

[@edthebowker]

usually like him but he's been contradicting himself more and more: "there's no us and them", "the clash have no right to make such and such music, they didn't grow up like us" double standard much?

[@rigsby1454]

Oh do understand taking the piss

[@deerhunter2218]

@nikto45 Joe didn't like his up bringing that's why he wanted out of it n started living in squats and busking etc.

[@MarkTotti]

Great interviews, folks.

[@theraven1979]

Fantastic. Really enjoyed that. Thanks to both Johns!

[@ellimick5958]

That was an excellent interview

[@zobazoba69]

7:37: Epic Belching.. as to say «Yessss sirr!!». Hahahaha, Made me fall off my chair!

[@heyya99]

Rude in company no?

[@heyya99]

@Comrade Kong it's rude you thorough-bred anus

[@tynkirbell599]

Fantastic interview ❤

[@filmfae]

As a kid, I found him terrifying yet awesome, especially when Kurt Loder would interview him. Glad to see he is still creating! Wild man, wild. Good interview.

[@thewholecity]

Best Johnny interview ever.

[@1stacbats]

Stumbled on this by accident, f*ckiing great accident. What a great interview, insightful. 👏🏻

[@whitedwarf13]

tbh his comments on the clash are greatly offensive. RACIST???? they had just as much a right to take influence from black music as he did and their style of reggae was not bland like the police or something but infused with punk energy - and listen to 'sandinista!' and you'll hear a unique influence from dub not that different from the early PIL works. they weren't plunderers of other cultures, they were the real deal. not the patronising posh boys he likes to present them as. joe strummer was a sincere guy, not the celebrity type john has become with his butter adverts and 'i'm a celebrity' and countless on-air tantrums just to generate headlines. he needs to get his facts straight. paul and mick were very much working class and not at all 'coffee table boys'. maybe john's just jealous lee perry and bob marley were never fans of his music.

[@LONEEAGLE_space_rock]

also the clash went to Jamaica, and from memory, played at rock against racism

[@thetalentedmrfitz]

Lydon's always been jealous of The Clash. The dozey old grunter, gotta love him though which is more than I can say for the silly cunt interviewing him

[@devilsforkdigital1490]

Yeah he never seems to get tired of trotting out this line about the Clash's "authenticity" when it comes to their reggae influence. He needs to get over it. I just watched Paul Simonon's British Master interview with the same guy and he was a lot more gracious about Lydon than he needed to be after this.

[@JoeMullanMusic]

@@devilsforkdigital1490 The 'pissed their lemon scented panties' comment from John Doran was pretty pathetic. And Simonon let him know as well as he left the interview. Lydon's snibe on here about the Clash 'Ohhh let's go and make some black friends and it will be sooper' and calling them racists is equally as pathetic.

[@IndependentGeorge76]

5:00 load of bollocks about the clash that. Paul Simonon was from Brixton ffs. Mick Jones grew up in council flats around West London, ladbroke grove and notting hill which at the time was the main West Indian area still. Joe was a posh boy, and topper from the suburbs, but to say the clash were 'racist for playing black music', what absolute bollocks... But Lydon can cos he's from a council estate in North London? good interview all the same...

[@crism3lo]

Excellent interviewer and, as always, excellent Johnny.

[@daevidharvey7113]

PiL United Toronto Phoenix Theatre Show for this tour was a killer , stunningly fantastic . A favourite show in years , Yes That Good !! 10/10 hugely

[@De_Profundis_PR]

The Pistol’s Bill Grundy interview changed/ruined my life - London 1976. I grew up in the Notting Hill area of London. I had family who lived around the corner from the Sex clothing boutique in the kings Rd, London. I witnessed/experienced the impact of punk on British society; it was tangible. It also coincided with Maggie’s trickle down economics plan that positively transformed the Uk. Balancing the books is painful sometimes. I met John a few times over the years - I don’t know him per se.But, he was always kind, & made time to chat with my friends and I when our paths crossed(as was the late Lemmy). Neither of them were obligated to do so. I was 12 the first time that I met John outside the Vortex club in the Soho area of London - I still have a signed flyer. John has always struck me as a very honest guy - socially liberal, but he comprehends the fiscal repercussions of ill informed/naive liberal policies. He’s a class bloke, who has experienced the realities of life & has a deep seated sense of honor (Read about his step daughter, wife & best friend). He has experienced hardship & loss (he’s an Arsenal FC supporter to boot). People mumble about John’s support of Brexit & Trump. I agree with him. John continues to be as honest as he was at the inception of Uk punk (the powers that be castigated/censored him in a similar fashion then). We are fortunate to live in a democracy; it is our right to vote/speak according to our individual opinions. Common sense & do it yourself were the original rallying cries of UK punk. Pay attention - do some research, stop whining. Get off your keyboard & go and make a difference. I don’t normally comment on I interwaffle stuff. However, churlish comments tend to be the exception to the rule.

[@drstevie]

Very nice interview. Revealing.

[@DungeonStudio]

I wish John would do more cameo's and commercial's, as he is incredibly funny. As "Baa-Ruce" in The Independent, and those butter commercials. He's definitely got some natural comedic timing!

[@XellKamikaze]

Yet another fantastic interview.

[@TheIanoTube]

He's dead wrong about The Clash,They lived in Council houses and were squatters,Big fan of Clash and Lydon but hes wrong about that

[@dbag3345]

Joe Strummer was a diplomat's son. His dad had an MBE and went to boarding school. That's a big difference mate.

[@beano1eye]

@@dbag3345 You are correct, But Joe was subversive of his roots!

[@mnbv990]

and mick jones has a cousin in the current government. Working class? nay, thrice nay!!!!!

[@reclaimerReclaimer]

What's up with that drab colour grading...

[@Nigelxman]

Just enjoy it.

[@yoyoyoson]

british aesthetics bleh

[@keithrichards9034]

dID THE SEXPISTOLS PLAY ON THEIR OWN ALBUM? I HEARD IT WAS SESSION MUSICIANS COS THE PISTOLS COULDNT PLAY ANYTHING.

[@afterthetone]

Keith Richards only Sid vicious who couldn't play and he came in late in the game

[@video2000_TV]

it's the smoke

[@bellycuda]

To mention Gandhi as a hero and to burp in the same sentence is why I love John Lydon so much!

[@sundance9042]

🤣😂

[@patkelly3966]

John Lydon Meets Chris Eubank. That I would watch.

[@Boomer_Johnson]

Hearing John talk makes me feel like I'm not crazy and It's not all in my head or because I'm cynical. I see truth and he speaks a lot of it. Sensible man, that Lydon fellow... Another life, I could have been friends with a guy like him but, I'm "too negative" and I don't "filter" enough.

[@glennoc8585]

JL is such a toss these days. He's Irish when it suits, English when it suits, American when it suits, obnoxious when it suits and polite/sycophantic when it suite. Can the real man step forward for FFS.

[@dumbasslazyman2248]

glenny oc Hes british, and American

[@gmantramp404]

You forgot he was a leading pioneer of 2 uk music genres in the 🇬🇧

[@erinkwalsh]

john is a living legend

[@frankiejoey107]

God! Can you imagine. These kids had no idea how popular they would become. John Lydon is like all of us. He took the chance and he succeeded. Just be good healthy and well.

[@norfolkronin6307]

RIP MARK E SMITH. Bless John. Always worth hearing and listening to.

[@PinkyPuff69]

Any John stuff, I am a fan of. Always have always will, be. Thanks.

[@korkor-kor]

Love Rotten since 1993 when I was 14. I had a pleasure to see Sex Pistols a few years later in Prague. It was a huge trip to me from Poland!

[@velvetmack]

really enjoyed this conversation

[@TheChadTI]

John is a great interviewer and John a good interviewee!

[@polaroidboy]

10 years late but great interview

[@MrLuxint]

i watched this, having seen so so so many JL interviews, thinking EXACTLY the same thing.....at last we were seeing him far far less showy and honest and enormous credit goes to the interviewer. i shall look out for john doran..really really interesting and totally because of the interviewer's exceptional style

[@DuffPaddy1]

A lot of fan worship but ultimately this is the best John Lydon interview out there.

[@johnd668]

It's the original background music composed for the show. We use it as an intro on all of them.

[@ricjones5749]

Had a very interesting argument with John Doran about this episode.Called him out about shagging off The Clash with Lydon.Called him out on his cowardice and the amount of hatred that guy flew back at me was horrific.The guy is a proper prick

[@tonyr751]

Y'all seem pretty sensitive to the Clash bit. What's up with that? Was't near as bad as the comments are making of it.

[@josejones7025]

5 minutes of the Stones in Bristol is plenty, I saw PIL on the Flowers of Romance tour (back in the 80s he didn’t like the Clash very much They were sooo good These are journalists who don’t know music. He disrespected them greatly here

[@josejones7025]

He calls the Clash racists

[@neilpruden706]

“Good night…’!😊

[@dwaynewood6512]

I like him , good interview.

[@liverpoolpictorial]

The interviewer was pretty clued up.

[@5ivetimes1]

Great interview

[@Cynthiadiddat2]

Yezzz what a hunk! I feel in love with Mr.Rotten in 7th grade continuation school. It was art class I was painting a huge face picture of him. His orange hair. The way his nose snarled . When God made Mr. Rotten , he was showing off.

[@phillipbowls8959]

I fucking love that s mans interviews and... Interviewees!. Good stuff man

[@S.Staes1]

Always gonna love mr Lydon 💕👍

[@shughy1]

Any man who can burp in mid sentence and use it as a word is my hero.

[@jimsound7888]

John Lydon is one person I would like to meet over a couple of beers and chew the fat. I have total respect for the man

[@garsm2290]

Please. Lydon is very rich. But he likes money a a lot - and has always used controversy to attract attention and make money. Like his stuff on Brexit. The amazing things is that there are mugs who swallow the nonsense that he is "anti-establishment".

[@duffbaker9554]

To be honest, I wouldn't mind a bit of $$$ myself, so I don't/won't resent Lydon for his success.

[@Jamesp1972]

He's a self-important prat

[@jamesgretsch4894]

He likes this interviewer. He hasn’t snapped at him once. That’s an accomplishment.

[@markblackwell9486]

Thank you John

[@DrMark1981]

Lydon does go a bit David Brent at times … “Nelson Mandela is my people”. Then he waffles about white boys and nicking black music, which is not a crime he committed… coz he’s from a council house. Do me a favour?! P.S the interviewer is soooo up Lyndon’s arse.

[@willy1957]

When a Peter Hammill interview? If anyone is a Britisch master than it is Peter Hammill

[@chasleask8533]

Yeah Kajagoogoo Brilliant

[@JohnDoe-sx2zk]

Best interviewer ever

[@sturdeehouse]

At 15.13 what is that noise he makes? ''I' think that works'

[@ObiJoe808]

nah. it's not racist to do music you love johnny sorry

[@karlclarke]

especially if you make it your own like The Who did, also the Pistols covered The Who

[@tompanoname3579]

@@karlclarke Which songs from The Who Pistols covered? I know they did rip off The Jam and Stooges, but did not notice The Who...

[@strumbolli]

@@tompanoname3579 Substitute on Great Rock n Roll Swindle. They covered The Monkees and Small Faces too

[@tompanoname3579]

@@strumbolli Indeed my man! Thnx

[@TheEDZEPPELINBAND]

@@strumbolli what Small Faces song-?....i used to have that record-

[@duncand1964]

Death Disco - treasured today in my single collection.. First PIL record I bought...

[@Oooo-bi7bi]

Not mad on the Pistols because I’m too young. But been watching interviews with Lydon since I saw him being interviewed on Sway in the morning. I like the guy and share many views with him. He’s a great ambassador for British music.

[@Squeaky1423]

Love you Mr. Lydon, but with all due respect, you sure got it wrong with all that you have to say about the Clash, sorry.

[@danielfmaher6538]

MiaSqueaky - Totally agree. The Clash weren’t exactly eating caviar and driving around in Bentley’s in the early years. As for their supposed cultural appropriation of reggae - what’s wrong with picking up influences and adding them to your own. The Clash weren’t a reggae band, they incorporated so many different influences which is what made them great. Besides it was Paul Simonon who was mainly responsible for the reggae influence and its in the record that a lot of his school mates growing up were black and he was strongly influenced by Jamaican music. Even Lydon openly admits his favourite genre is reggae - if you like music are you not entitled to be influenced by it. I do like Lydon but despite his protestations does come across as arrogant and angry on a lot of occasions - but also bright, whip-smart intelligent too. A mass of contradictions is our John!

[@silasmarner7586]

Meh.. don't get me wrong, I adore their first album (English pressing only - many will concur with that point!) but after that for me they kinda lost the plot. I like three or four of their songs ok after that magnificent first album.

[@terrythekittieful]

@@danielfmaher6538 And Joe's 'White Man in Hammersmith' has been misconstrued as racist by some. To me it was about a white boy going to a reggae gig alone (and standing out in that crowd) and championing those reggae acts. I might be wrong, I might be right.

[@adrianbrowne7962]

That was a " Nice Touch " From John acknowledging the assisstance and advice " Proffered " By Mick Jagger re Sid Vicious when he was at " His Most Vulnerable " !!! From Adrian Browne 1965

[@metalinl-a1128]

The more I listen to Lydon. The more I like him today. Youll never come to an end with this isdues, but I like his take on things. I dont agree with everything he says. But he gets his point across, might take him an extra explanation or two so be it. Example " ALL OF US". TOGETHER PEOPLE, TOGETHER

[@davidconnelly]

Personally speaking, I don't like the royal family and I don't like the Queen. I don't like the Queen because her life has been an affirmation of the proposition that somebody can be better than another person based on the the family they were born into. That's a horrible, evil, backwards looking, non-scientific and - frankly - racist thing to believe. Do anyone REALLY believe that Prince Charles is a more valuable human than any other average person "just because"? If you believe that then you're insane. Of course we're not all perfectly equal at the point of birth. I'm not wired for basketball or sumo wrestling. However, there should be at the very least a pretence of equality in terms of 'your value as a human being' at the point of birth. Without that then I'm out. It's equality or royals. Opportunity for all or pedo enablers? Take your pick because you sure as heck can't have both! Moreover, I don't like people who are into hunting large wild, intelligent animals for fun. If you're into that then I don't like you. So no. To Hell with the royals, the Queen and any closet racist who's into that garbage. You're on the wrong side of history and if the human race lasts a thousand years then surely people will look back and wonder why on Earth who ever put up with parasite royals. Disgusting, horrible creatures. All of them.

[@zaphyra-]

Cool interview

[@shaunmcgee4204]

I enjoyed this interview, it’s nice to see John Lydon fielding some intelligent questions for once.

[@danny1852]

John Lydon’s comment about the Clash not having experience with the multi-cultural music: wasn’t Joe raised in Turkey, Cyprus Egypt, Germany, Iran etc. because of his father’s work?

[@maryburke5423]

Yep, and Simenon grew up in Brixton. John likes to rearrange history to suit himself

[@danielelston7457]

I love ❤️ this Man 👍

[@JoeRivermanSongwriter]

10:41 nicotine not a drug then is it? Oh the fucking irony.

[@josejones7025]

Oh yeah the Nicotine IS a drug and he’s certainly addicted

[@nath909]

"Lovely stuff!" - Michael 'Shakin' Steven's' Barratt. (Keep on Shakin':)

[@fitta74]

Didn't know George Best was a reporter