Few names in pop music inspire the kind of polarizing, passionate responses as John Lydon’s. He kicked his way into the public consciousness with the Sex Pistols in the ’70s: He was featured in the British tabloids as frequently as members of the royal family, angry protesters hung on his every curse word, his words and presence examined class issues during heady political times. Oh, and there was the music. Lydon’s snarling vocals and abrasive lyrics proved a potent match alongside the Pistols’ instrumental rehashings of American garage rock. It became the epitome of punk rock.
I had the distinct pleasure of conducting a phone interview with John Lydon for the City Paper a few weeks back. In spite of the infamy that surrounds him, Lydon proved to have something of a sweet side… At least, over the phone. Feel free to head to the City Paper‘s Arts Desk to find out all the little tidbits Lydon dropped!
