Nardwuar vs. John Lydon

CiTR Radio, March 26, 2010. Nardwuar interviews John Lydon. Thanks to Bev Davies for the photos ! Doot doo ! / nardwuarserviette
Nardwuar Twitter: / nardwuar
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Nardwuar Facebook: / nardwuar
Nardwuar Website: www.nardwuar.com/
Doot doo !

[@smashism]

A rare interview where Lydon seems to be having a good time with it.

[@ClaydenLee]

He's absolutely hilarious in this, he's usually funny but this is next level

[@muziktrkr]

Nardwuar "did his homework" so it made the interview a breeze. The interviews that went downhill wanted him to act like an angry punk or try to be condescending towards him.

[@WorldWidePatriots]

@@muziktrkr seems most people, especially reporters didn't understand John at all.

[@caderoger]

well, Lydon's thing is that he is unpredictable... he could have been an asshole for this one, gratuitously, and that's what's interesting about his interviews, expecially of late: you never really know what Lydon is coming our way.

[@VanHellsing12]

I think because a rare interviewer that did his research

[@Killenmachine05]

the fact johnny rotten was nice to nardwuar speaks volumes, you can very accurately judge a musicians character by how they treat the nard.

[@markbroderick8382]

so beck, nas, and alice cooper are not of good character because they grew impatient with nardwuar.....seems accurate.

[@travisdsimmon]

@@markbroderick8382 some try to be funny, some try to be cool...Johnny is and always has been quick with the wit, which makes for interesting conversation. ..when you're not, it can unnerve you and make you short. that's why i give some a pass on being short with Nardwuar.

[@Killenmachine05]

@@markbroderick8382 not musicians, people, I said character, not musical ability.

[@JSTNtheWZRD]

Who was ever mean to old Nard? Can you recall, I'd like to see it.

[@Killenmachine05]

@@JSTNtheWZRD the guy from blur is a huge one, jello biafra has been less than nice, henry rollins, ect ect

[@lucasrichards5793]

It’s so bizarre to hear Johnny enjoying an interview

[@ciejaygear]

Leave it to the journalist prodigy, Nard. . .

[@Skypad00]

When one old punk meets another old punk

[@giroudsbrother9450]

Watch the one he did with Robbie of Arsenal Fan TV lol

[@markgnarz5399]

The polar opposite of Rollins with same interviewer

[@ndesdsadfd]

@@markgnarz5399 Rollins had his head far up his arse back in his younger days. Nowadays he kinda mellowed out a bit tho.

[@TehAwesomer]

Very, very charming interview. Perfect synergy, and I left with an even better impression of John Lydon.

[@punkisinthedetails1470]

you do impressions? impressive!

[@esteven3205]

21:15 Nardwuar: What sort of food do you eat? John: COUNTRY LIFE BUTTER!

[@brotzmannsax]

Like he says, he's loyal.

[@splitends826]

i couldnt stop laughing at John talking over Nardwuar and going on and on about something with so much stubborn honesty... he's hilarious and a good guy

[@TheStorehouseOfMemories]

Yes, I was LMAO 🤣🤣🤣, John is such a legend!

[@nicolasj77]

Classic old John

[@raysmith5211]

as soon as i saw the notification i was like "ok, this is gonna be really fucking good."

[@RitchieRosson]

:) Same here.

[@Ech0mancer]

Quite right you were as it happens

[@NeoNyder]

Me too, and it was!!

[@elliottsilverman7931]

I never thought he'd wanna tolerate this guy ,watch the one he did with blur even if u dont like blur its worth it

[@Ech0mancer]

@@elliottsilverman7931 I think it’s because he recognizes and appreciates people who are unique, outside the mold, you know? or have an odd quality to them, which Nard certainly is all of these lol Also, ( and I’m no fanboy of blur), but I think that guy has since apologized and expressed remorse for how he acted that time

[@markbroderick8382]

I would be scared to pull that "do do do loo do" sh*t with Lydon 😂

[@couchslouch13]

Nardwuar has balls, and uncompromising confidence in what he does, that's why people respect him and Doot Doo!

[@mlm7521]

God damn, Nardwaur's tenacity in the face adversity is so admirable.

[@warganization]

that Rollins interview from the late 90s alone was probably all the conditioning he needed

[@virtualsnake1994]

He's seasoned. Rockstars are a rough bunch.

[@angryeel2864]

One of the best Lydon interviews ever. Salute Nardwuar. Well done.

[@ClaudeFrank]

Nardwar so often seems to want to stick to his script of unrelated questions but Lydon just answers fully and deeply anyway. Loved it.

[@caranelson7457]

Lydon is so intelligent, I've read his books. I think that is why this interview is great, Nardwuar has the best questions and keeps his subjects on their toes. Lyndon seems to appreciate that.

[@JokersAce0]

Johnny Rotten 1977: Snide, sarcastic, bites during interviews. John Lydon now: Cheeky Brit dad

[@Gkuljian]

He finally answered a question I've had for 40 years. I hated COPS the show. I hated what it represented, and the fact that so many idiots kept it on tv. When Lydon said the law shouldn't be entertainment, it was right.

[@bradpity]

i am so fucking thrilled that nard caught johnny in a good mood for this interview, reminds me of his 70s interviews where he had fun on the radio

[@jordanb.4514]

You're honestly the GOAT of music journalism.

[@RitchieRosson]

"It's rather like being interrogated by Norweigan police." Ah! This is where Nardwuar got his technique?

[@richieb1125]

What's with all the comments of people surprised by this interview, I've watched numerous on the Tube and he has been a very kind gentleman in most of them, he just doesnt tolerate bullshit.

[@WorldWidePatriots]

That's what I'm thinking, it's like these people haven't actually heard him speak before, only seen his "media image"

[@markbroderick8382]

@@WorldWidePatriots "media image".....if only there were an even more apt way of saying that.....oh well.

[@markbroderick8382]

@@WorldWidePatriots it's like people never listen to a word he says.....they only see him for what he has on.

[@WorldWidePatriots]

@@markbroderick8382 probably because they have already made a judgement on him. Sadly people seem to not want to listen if they decide they dislike you.

[@markbroderick8382]

@@WorldWidePatriots true ....btw I dropped some Public Image references here above in case they weren't immediately apparent LOL.

[@unikimrailings8270]

Best John Lydon interview ever, by a country mile.

[@paulkristovic]

"John at one time you gave a special sandwich with salty tasting mayonnaise..." "Yeah well, we'll not go there thank you!"

[@kevinherman2169]

Now I want to know the story behind that sandwich.

[@paulkristovic]

@@kevinherman2169 Steve Jones was also a gifted sandwich maker.

[@ericjames19]

When the worlds greatest interviewer meets the all-time greatest interviewee

[@grimblegrumble]

1:31 John "The Gooner" Lydon 👌

[@benjabooty]

This is the most cordial I've ever heard Johnny lol

[@heron8875]

go watch the interview he did with steve lol

[@christopherbell4543]

John should have a podcast where he just gives his opinions on topical issues I could listen to him on a daily basis.👂💪🇬🇧

[@Eire_Go_Deo]

A weekly John Lydon podcast would be great!

[@yamabushi170]

John Lydons life has been one long podcast

[@mattkess3156]

John Lydon, Morrissey, and Glenn Danzig walk into a bar

[@carmelopai4833]

Ooohhhhhhh - poor Morrisey! 😯

[@pinehawk9600]

And Johnny Ramone

[@RobRy813]

Danzig cracks his head off of it because it's right at forehead height.

[@losethos1734]

@@RobRy813 that's not tall danzing is like 5'2

[@PositivePokemonPlayers]

DANZIG doesn't go to bars

[@ENigma-um8zw]

Johns got that first beer and a half thing going, he’s all sorts of happy here lol :)

[@oxsila]

I think John just appreciates interesting questions and when an interviewer actually makes effort

[@ENigma-um8zw]

I love it, I was only having fun. Nothing about “hit different” or no lack of diploma or higher education here. I just love when Johnny is in a good mood is all, and to the above, it’s absolutely correct, the depth and interfacing and analysis that nardwuar puts forth in his interviewing style is undoubtedly among the best into the 21st century, peace and love everyone, also mark, don’t project your own insecurities onto others you do not know, tootles ;D

[@465marko]

Lovely way of putting it, true!

[@malarchy77]

"If spitting be your proclivity in life, bring your own bucket" 🤣🤟

[@subg8858]

“Oh! That’s fun!” - actual John Lydon quote. Mind blown

[@derfgerps4016]

John’s love and appreciation of Can was really wholesome those guys never got their due

[@seabasssimpson4547]

Jaki is the drummer all others should be judged against.

[@493HZ]

Absolutely stellar band.

[@gabberpunk2]

Thanks for the words John best wishes from Wattie and the band

[@patricktimothy8354]

Although I was crushed to find out he expressed some political views I vehemently disagree with this year,I have loved this man,artist,visionary,innovator,prophet,genius since I was first jolted by seeing the Tony Wilson hosted Anarchy performance for Granada TV in Manchester. I was on vacation in the UK in 1986 and saw a 10th year anniversary of punk tv show. The performance,the music,the lyrics,all grabbed me.I was an instant Pistols fan.I then grew in to a PIL fan and discovered post punk.I have been a fan ever since. I have seen pil live several times from 1989 through 2018. Thanks for this interview. I got to meet him in 2012.He was very friendly and charming. And he was outside signing autographs till at least 2 am,when I left the pil concert after waiting in line to meet him.He had to go to the tour bus after the show to call his wife,something he does every night. Now he can't leave her since he is taking care of her as she struggles with Alzheimers. Thank you for changing rock music twice John.

[@ryantiller5624]

"It shows a great deal of foresight on my part" A whole fucking lot of what you've said over the past few decades does, Johnny.

[@hugosophy]

John is such a well spoken and an articulate individual. I could listen to him all day, I swear his tone, accent, eloquence is so entertaining. I love how he doesn't let nardwaur NOT let him dominate the conversation but is still respectful and lighthearted.

[@subsanity667]

He talks about his collaboration with Afrika Bambaataa's Time Zone on the 12 inch single "World Destruction", one of my favorite 1980s era jams ever.

[@peteormond2254]

It seems overlooked when you consider that it was one of the if not the 1st Rock(Punk)/ Rap collaboration.

[@milesgeary9213]

@@peteormond2254 Blondie's Rapture was earlier I think, but Time Zone was better.

[@glenthorne6055]

@@milesgeary9213 rapture wasn't a collaboration but yeah she did a little rap with her band & should prob get some more recognition for it. But that Bambaata collab def needs to b acknowledged more

[@Blisteryn]

When John is nice, he's amazing!

[@KaninTuzi]

Nardwuar moved on real quick when John said that bootlegging is thievery

[@arthurshink8825]

He got 45 pleasant minutes out of John Lydon! Amazing!

[@darrenryan1161]

Thinking the exactly same thing I'm wondering how come Jo Rogan would ever have him on his podcast, but the once is all u could have, lydon probably turned him down plenty already

[@notachannel7495]

By 2 minutes in, Nardwuar has captured Lydon's attention. Nardwuar sets the standard for how to interview anyone, even famously difficult people. How he makes this seem so effortless, I suspect, cannot be taught. Maybe two-thirds of it can be memorized, but the real-deal is a combination of Nardwuar's talent, and Nardwuar's skill to cover that last third. Amazing - hats off, Nardwuar.

[@johna6291]

great questions and level spirit on both sides. It also reveals Lydon's knowledge and place in social culture. Well done, on both sides.

[@DxPxOfficial]

My heart stopped for a second. I saw Lydon’s pic in black and white and I saw a date at the bottom of the pic and assumed the worst

[@-INK.-]

As a person who listens to Rotten for 20 years, that's a heart-warming interview of him!!!

[@justinwilliam4644]

Nardwuar always seems to do his homework and get to what the musician/band really enjoy/have history with. Good to hear the interviewees having fun.

[@cybertronian2005]

John mixed Screaming Lord Sutch up with Judge Dread here methinks

[@infectedvoice7293]

This interview was the same year his stepdaughter and singer of The Slits sadly died, RIP Ari.

[@78zappaf]

Really enjoyed the interview.

[@hammies.]

Huh. John seems to be in a good mood for this interview, a true rarity. I like it

[@samyandkitty8399]

I had a cutting from smash hits magazine about John missing the Pan Am Lockerbie flight. We drove past the wreckage on the way back from my grannie and grandads house. It was spread for miles. Shocking and sad.

[@danielfinkley8585]

An Amazing interview with the GodFather of Punk ! I was lucky enough to hang out with John at the Mudd Club nyc.

[@davidayer2168]

When John's relaxed his turns of phrase are even better

[@tartar629]

Glad to hear John say “almost” nice things about the Exploited. “They’ve stuck to their guns, but they’re limited in what they do.” I don’t find them limited, just faster and heavier punk. I’d like to see John and Wattie having a talk about music.

[@A_massive_wog]

A great interview. But an absolute crime that this wasn't in person!

[@tunelowplayslow5623]

Doesn't surprise me lydon doesn't care for Jello. He has to be the top chatty cathy at all times.

[@RenniefosterRF]

John is so based. Love the guy.

[@losethos1734]

Based? Based on what?

[@ellimick5958]

Truly an amazing man. But I think he could have a career as Judge Johnny🤣🤣. Imagine his verdicts!!!

[@trilogycore_7790]

Your Legendary Nardwaur! Thanks for the amazing content Sir!

[@artkitchen3202]

I was at that 1984 show at UBC and my favourite comment from John after getting showered with spit was, "All you in the front row, quit spitting. It's all been done before and a fuck of a lot better!" LOL

[@wyntonexisting]

I am only four minutes in and I've never heard john say so many nice things about so many people and things. What is happening? Hell froze over?

[@WorldWidePatriots]

Not at all, he is actually a nice dude.

[@newdamage5945]

Yeah by Lydon standards this is nice lol.

[@meirmoses8821]

Sobriety? We know he's a good guy, but the tone here really is AUDIBLY different. I mean really.

[@jlr_0276]

It seems like John only acts like a dick when interviewers or any people talking to him are complete ignorants, not the case with Nardwuar so he's chill.

[@glenthorne6055]

@@jlr_0276 yeah a lot of interviewers seem to ask the same questions & r antagonistic. Not nardwaur

[@ghettobrown1121]

Wow Great job as always...that could have so easily gone into various arguments about ethics and assumptions as they tend to do with Mr. Lydon but you kept him on track for the most part...Great!! But, I imagine there was a few edits in there.

[@MikuHatsune12]

I was trying to find a john lydon nard interview before but couldnt find it how perfect!

[@yungeffen6173]

all the tiktok kids wearing vivienne westwood chains wont know who this is

[@GeordieHandle]

@Riley Martin Yeah but hes very entertaining, and i think hes well meaning despite the ego.

[@cosmickeystomycreationandtimes]

Damn kids *shakes fist*

[@leonm3961]

Yea those damn rascals

[@Elitistt]

@Riley Martin good to see he hasn’t conformed then.

[@arianrhodhyde7482]

@Riley Martin I'm not sure if i hate the old cynical toxic bullshit or the overpriced high fashion bullshit ripped out of its original context. it's a tough choice

[@DaedraVFX]

i love this so much. best video

[@mjh5437]

When JR is on good form like this he is fascinating and totally irresistible........A true one-off to be treasured.

[@samyandkitty8399]

John Lyndon should see the Bus Station Loonies, my friend Chris Wheelie formed them after leaving OI Polloi. He’s a top geezerin Plymouth and does so much to keep the Plymouth music scene alive as well as running his own label.

[@daoust26]

Johnny rotten like the exploited, wow just wow I'm blown away that's epic

[@ChinWah77]

Great interview! And of course John saying “doot doot “ was the icing on the cake!

[@Daplin1]

A perfect life to grow up in... surrounded by the reminiscences of comedy. Great

[@derrickharmon7980]

A concert with a BYOB rule Bring Your Own Bucket 🤤💦🗣🪣

[@therealrussellsmyth]

V interesting to hear the dynamic here. Johnny is bullet proof 👍👌😂 what a ledge

[@quintork4100]

the george robey in finsbury park in the 90s held the night of the living dub all nighters with acts like scientist,african head charge,dub syndicate was also known as club dog where i seen the ozrics,hawkwind (lydons fave band) senser,back to the planet,a brilliant venue xxxxxxx

[@MIKE-TYTHON]

John Lyndon is a class act

[@nitegoat1369]

I love John Lydon. I'd love to sit down with him and have a chat.

[@MSYNGWIE12]

Up with Vancouver, Canada a terrific city, the ocean, the mountains, sand and snow! Up with John Lydon, a survivor and much beloved rocker. A man of intellect and warmth and humor and compassion who can spot the phoney... I am not familiar with the radio station (Toronto area) or the D.J./host, if that is more polite. I love the way John's eyes light up, half a century! And he does look great, I am being sincere. Too many in the music biz, live hard and die too young...Namaste, Z. ( any hope in 2021 of seeing in concert you, John, still active musically? Touring, or are you behind the scenes in production, was going to quote a Stones' song but they used to annoy you- do they still or was that a Sex Pistol Pose, we are youth, they are old, establishment farts- ! Ironic huh? Billed as the ugliest and the naughtiest, Andrew Oldham knew how to market ! Namaste, Z

[@BobbiBlack]

So Ari died a couple of months after this interview. How sad to hear John so proud of her.

[@brandname6]

Such a beautiful human

[@hi_tech_reptiles]

I love Johnny. People think he's a dick, but reading a lot of his written stuff from what I remember made me change mind about him. He is just a particular type of personality, and infinitely interesting.

[@wealllivetogether5202]

Well said, and I agree on all counts! A person's political preferences should not take away from their humanity, particularly when the human in question has done more good than harm. John Lydon is wonderfully and frustratingly complicated.

[@KavaKavana]

Funny to hear his take on Morissey. Spot on good dis about the clash playing reggae. Good point about the butter commercial. Well done Lydon/Nardwuar

[@GilbertSyndrome]

John Lydon was ironically obsessed with reggae, we t to Jamaica to "find himself" and incorporated it into PiL. His stepdaughter also literally wanted to be black and Jamaican. Lots of hypocrisy with Johnny.

[@JMarinelli]

...but PiL were heavily influenced by dob.

[@GilbertSyndrome]

His excuse for doing a butter advert was ridiculous.

[@Steve1236130]

Been waiting for this one

[@Terentius25]

7 Dislikes. Very surprised! Lyndon defo has alot of character!

[@TheBlackTriangle]

I’ve been waiting for this for a very long time

[@Jackmonster3231]

Any details on that sandwich question John wanted to skip over?

[@sybo59]

Sounds ... sexual.

[@465marko]

It might be this: "(Steve Jones) refutes the famous story in John Lydon’s book about him tricking Matlock into eating a sandwich which contained his “spunk.” In Jones’ version of the tale, he was just giving his band mate helpful masturbation techniques - showing him how to fashion wet bread into functioning like a woman’s private part. “It’s a service I like to provide,” he writes".

[@3daxx]

I've been waiting for this

[@dennisnelson8207]

This is the third good interview.The other two are with Genesis P Orridge and Michael Gira.

[@dixirose111]

I love John’s honesty and sheer intellect.

[@fakeoldtoughguy768]

Johnny doesnt carry himself around as pompous and self centered as some of the other Nad interviewees.

[@LiftedBuddha]

What do you mean nad?

[@losethos1734]

He's not as humble as sonic youth

[@-roejogan-]

The immovable force meets the unstoppable object.

[@Johnny_Croissant]

Wow, I never knew he was asked to do a remix of Can's work. Turning it down because they were that good tells of real appreciation for the band.

[@javiercasaslentijo8701]

The best interview I have ever seen with John lydon ... Asking curiosities and interesting details ... In addition to the knowledge he demonstrates in an interviewer ... Great! 

[@rigby7662]

Its always good to hear from mr lydon!! Genuine and funny gezza. And nardwuar is a legend, keep on being you man

[@tuskedbeast]

Such a happy, fun interview. What happened to that guy? Esp. the views on diversity then and now.

[@marcap9757]

Well that interview went well!

[@s1ckboirari]

13:20 Im glad this has mostly gone from hip hop nowadays. They're still a lot of gatekeepers to any community but Rap has produced some fantastic artists and they mostly all treat Nardwaur with respect the same way John does here.

[@LRZRAY]

Who are you? I’m Johnny Pickering!

[@yosserhughes5418]

Ronnie Pickering?

[@Sidewalkpeace]

SPOILED US TODAY!

[@darkweaboo8380]

now that's the john that I love , he's fkn lovely

[@corpse00xx0]

JOHNNY ROTTENNN

[@augment999]

JOHNNNYYYYY

[@goodnighthummingbird7861]

Nardwaur is king of patience. Best music journalist ever to walk the earth.

[@jeremystrickland873]

If this is the only time Nardwuar and John Lydon have spoken that is a shame. It seems like these two could talk for far longer. Very interesting stuff.

[@ultravires385]

Seattle sucks, Johnny Rotten only spent a few days there and knew it was gonna turn into a goofpit. Love this dude.

[@edwardmulholland7912]

John is a good dude, very good interview.

[@pmers]

What a good guy John is. Seemed to appreciate Nardwar's absudity too.

[@CriminalWorm]

Serious allegation to accuse someone to be a gooner