Latest news with #GodSavetheQueen
The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Never mind the Horlicks, here's the punk rock pensioners Sex Pistols
The Sex Pistol were once simpatico with Roger Daltrey for heaven's sake, in that he hoped to be in Heaven before he got old. Now, this band of superannuated cap-sleeved rockers are set to rock up once again. Is it wrong? Sid Vicious is long dead and John Lydon is not coming to Bellahouston bash (Image: free) John Lydon thinks so. Indeed, Lydon is angry (no change there) that the Pistols have reformed. 'They've killed the content, or done their best to,' maintains the singer and songwriter, 'and turned the whole thing into a rubbish, childishness, and that's unacceptable.' The former Mr Rotten, who fought a high-profile court battle against the rest of the band in a bid to stop their songs being used in a Disney+ series, Pistol, adds: "I don't mean to be digging them out, it's not their fault that they're talentless and can't f****** move on, is it?' John Lydon is arguing that his former bandmates have sold out. Yet weren't the Sex Pistols a sell-out right from the start? The original band were never short of the sweary words your Auntie Cissie would find shocking, and to coincide with the Queen's Jubilee released God Save the Queen and sang of a fascist regime. But these skinny young guys were never really heavy weight anarchists. Pierre Joseph Proudhon most certainly won't be spinning in his plot right now. Read more And to quote Bernie Taupin, it's a little bit funny that the band were described as anti-establishment rebels, given that they were essentially a collection of Vivien Westwood models, a Malcolm McLaren-engineered prefabricated boy band in the same vein as Monkees - albeit without the songwriting skills of a Neil Diamond, or the willingness to use shampoo. The Sex Pistols too wore matching (of sorts) outfits. And when they first played live, they actually covered the Monkees' Steppin' Stone. Yet, there are real arguments for going along to see this latest version of the band. Although they sold pound-shop nihilism to young people (while being backed by a corporately astute management) and their politics were performative, nevertheless, they sold hope. There's no doubt the Sex Pistols were rockets (in every sense of the word) playing damp warehouse-dump-created music which they sent into the stratosphere. There is also no doubt they revealed the perfect energy antidote to the tired glam rock and disco of the day. The Sex Pistols' three chord and a sneer simplicity was so clever that the band proved the inspiration for a range of followers, such as the Clash, Buzzcocks, Green Day and Nirvana. John Lydon (Image: free) Sure, the Pistols made only one album, but in a very short time proved that you don't have to have the musical skills of Elton or Bowie to become a chart success. They may have lacked melody, structure and they were thrashers, producing anything as loud as you would hear on a farm. But that was all a positive, the perfect reaction to the crushing political reality of the mid Seventies. On a more prosaic level, is it wrong to take the sound of a generation and play it again 50 years on? Where is the relevance? What's wrong with wrinklies taking to the stage? Has anyone really demanded that Mick Jagger and co lie down in the showbiz retirement home in North London and take to watching reruns of the Old Grey Whistle Test on iPlayer? No. It's the same for other legacy bands such as The Who and the likes of Van Morrison and Dylan. And Peter Noone of Herman's Hermits, the pop daddy of them all. Who's to say there's an upper age limit on leather jackets? And who's to say that angry young men who grow to be angry old men are pointless? Isn't there even more to mump about today than in the Seventies, when hospital waiting times were measured in days rather than months, when Coronation Street was still half decent and you could buy a Hillman Avenger for about a grand. The Pistols, back in the day (Image: free) And wouldn't Dylan Thomas have had the Sex Pistols in mind if were he writing today, suggesting the Glasgow gig to be right and proper, and possibly lots of fun, that they should indeed 'rage, rage against the dying of the light.' Sure, the Pistols are now half-cocked, and their 60 and 70-something knees won't stand up too much pogo-ing. But they will surely bring a younger audience to the party. And even superannuated pseudo anarchists still need a reason to get out of bed in the morning. The Sex Pistols, Bellahouston Park, June 21, Glasgow, supported by The Stranglers, the Undertones, The Rezillos, The Undertones and The Skids
Edinburgh Live
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
Sex Pistols star John Lydon says 'the pain will never go away' after family death
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Sex Pistols legend John Lydon has opened up about the enduring pain following the loss of his wife Nora, confessing "the pain will never go away". The punk rock pioneer, who shot to fame in the 70s as the Sex Pistols' provocative lead singer. He met Nora, a German publishing heiress, shortly after the band's initial split. Despite their age difference, with Nora being fourteen years older, the pair formed an inseparable bond. In her final years, as she faced Alzheimer's disease, John devoted himself to caring for her full-time. Nora died, aged 80 in 2023. While caring for his wife, John was in a legal battle with the remaining members of the Sex Pistols - guitarist Steve Jones and drummer Paul Cook - after he attempted to veto the use of the band's songs in a Disney+ series. After losing the legal fight, John cut ties with his former bandmates. Steve and Paul however continued to perform with original bassist Glen Matlock and Gallows' Frank Carter stepping in for John, reports the Mirror US. (Image: 2017 Brian Killian) John has slammed the legal wrangle as "just disrespectful all round" and admits it's something he "won't forget". Despite his history of stirring controversy as Johnny Rotten, the passing of Nora saw fans rally around him with support. Speaking to The Telegraph, he says he has "done my moping" and is now "very much raring to go". He knows he needs to get out of the house and is currently on tour with his band PiL - Public Image Ltd. He is working on a new book and album and has rediscovered his passion for painting. But he still occasionally finds himself stopping to think about his much-loved wife. "The pain will never go away," he told the Telegraph. "She died painfully, suffocating. They call it the death rattle." (Image: Getty Images) He vividly remembers the heart-wrenching moment when doctors questioned whether they should cease life-prolonging efforts. He reflects: "I couldn't say 'yes, stop.' No. I fought for her life as hard as she fought for it. And now I'm on the other side." Despite experiencing a phase of anger, he believes this prevented him from becoming a "sympathetic doddering old idiot". The God Save the Queen singer confesses to having "no regrets" about how he's lived. Nora's passing has altered John's perspective on his own mortality at 69, stating that the thought of death "no longer terrifies" him. He does though say he "misses her like mad" and reveals he sleeps with Nora's ashes by his side. In recent times, John has surprisingly found favour with conservative media circles, puzzling many long-time Sex Pistols fans. He clarifies that his stance isn't black and white, expressing disdain for all politicians. Although he's shown support for former US President Donald Trump, he's critical of him too, labelling Trump as a "wrecking ball" and dubbing him "the Orange Bad Man".
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sex Pistol's John Lyndon condemns Kneecap over ‘kill your MP' video
Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon has condemned Kneecap after a video of a member appearing to shout 'kill your local MP' resurfaced. The Irish rappers have become embroiled over their apparent on-stage shouts of 'up Hamas' and 'kill your local MP', which are now being investigated by the Metropolitan Police. The band has previously been compared to the Sex Pistols, whose provocative acts during their heyday included singing God Save the Queen on a Thames barge during Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee. Frontman Lydon, once known by the stage name Johnny Rotten, has dismissed the comparison. Speaking on ITV's This Morning, he said: 'If you advocate the death of another human being, you have no case whatsoever. You are my enemy from here on in, for the rest of your mediocre existence. 'You shouldn't be talking like that, you shouldn't be making enemies about your fellow human beings.' Johnny Lyndon has dismissed comparisons between Kneecap and the Sex Pistols - Michael Ochs Archives Kneecap faced calls to be removed from the US after a set at the Coachella festival in California which they used to project a message stating 'f--- Israel'. In response, Sharon Osbourne all for the 'revocation of Kneecap's work visas' in the US. Following the gig, footage emerged of a band member apparently shouting 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah' at a London show in 2024. Further footage surfaced from 2023 of a band member shouting: 'The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.' Credit: X/@DannyMMorris The shouts were condemned by the families of murdered MPs Jo Cox and Sir David Amess. Kneecap later apologised to the families, but denied wrongdoing. Their gigs are still being investigated by a Metropolitan Police anti-terror unit. There have been high-profile calls for Kneecap gigs, including a planned set at Glastonbury, to be cancelled in light of this investigation. Dan Jarvis, a Home Office minister, warned Glastonbury organisers to 'think very carefully' about who performs at the festival amid calls for Kneecap to be removed from the line-up. Responding to an urgent question on the issue, Mr Jarvis described the group's remarks as 'dangerous and irresponsible'. There have been calls for high-profile Kneecap gigs, including a set at Glastonbury, to be cancelled - Luke Brennan/Redferns Amid the furore, Kneecap released a statement on their views, saying: 'Let us be unequivocal – we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay. We know this more than anyone, given our nation's history. 'We also reject any suggestion that we would seek to incite violence against any MP or individual. Ever. An extract of footage, deliberately taken out of all context, is now being exploited and weaponised, as if it were a call to action.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
West Australian
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- West Australian
John Lydon slams Sex Pistols for 'karaoke' performances
John Lydon is saddened by the Sex Pistols performing "karaoke" versions of their classic songs. The 69-year-old artist - also known by his former Sex Pistols stage name Johnny Rotten - was involved in a bitter legal dispute with former bandmates Steve Jones, Paul Cook and Glen Matlock over the use of the punk group's music in the 2022 Disney+ TV drama Pistol. He is unimpressed with the God Save the Queen band's current iteration that features Frank Carter on lead vocals. "It's a shame to see my early songs in the Pistols now being karaoked, let's put it that way, by a couple or three of the remaining original members," Lydon told Blitzed magazine. "I wish they could write some songs of their own, and I'd have something to judge them by. "They've put a lot of the imitation Pistol bands out of work. You know, the tributes, that's the list they're top of now. "There's a special place for them doing it the way they're doing, which will be Bingo halls. 'Two fat ladies, Click, click, click, and now it's some of the Sex Pistols doing a rendition of whatever', then it's back to the bingo for 10 minutes." Yet the outspoken musician said he still has "a huge fondness" for his former bandmates. "I felt very proud at the time of what we were doing. If you don't like me and you don't want me that's fine, but leave my words out shall we?" Lydon embarked on a spoken word UK tour titled I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right in 2024 and explained he was left irritated by those in the audience who tried to replicate his distinctive appearance. "I get frustrated by the ones that try to look like me! They're saying, 'Look, look, I'm just like you!' and they don't get it, they couldn't be further from me by going that route," the Public Image Ltd (PiL) frontman said. "It's not a compliment because it shows a lack of individuality, and they should know that really. "The art of the individual is to be yourself and I will really enjoy and respect you for that."
Perth Now
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
John Lydon slams Sex Pistols for 'karaoke' performances
John Lydon is saddened by the Sex Pistols performing "karaoke" versions of their classic songs. The 69-year-old artist - also known by his former Sex Pistols stage name Johnny Rotten - was involved in a bitter legal dispute with former bandmates Steve Jones, Paul Cook and Glen Matlock over the use of the punk group's music in the 2022 Disney+ TV drama Pistol. He is unimpressed with the God Save the Queen band's current iteration that features Frank Carter on lead vocals. "It's a shame to see my early songs in the Pistols now being karaoked, let's put it that way, by a couple or three of the remaining original members," Lydon told Blitzed magazine. "I wish they could write some songs of their own, and I'd have something to judge them by. "They've put a lot of the imitation Pistol bands out of work. You know, the tributes, that's the list they're top of now. "There's a special place for them doing it the way they're doing, which will be Bingo halls. 'Two fat ladies, Click, click, click, and now it's some of the Sex Pistols doing a rendition of whatever', then it's back to the bingo for 10 minutes." Yet the outspoken musician said he still has "a huge fondness" for his former bandmates. "I felt very proud at the time of what we were doing. If you don't like me and you don't want me that's fine, but leave my words out shall we?" Lydon embarked on a spoken word UK tour titled I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right in 2024 and explained he was left irritated by those in the audience who tried to replicate his distinctive appearance. "I get frustrated by the ones that try to look like me! They're saying, 'Look, look, I'm just like you!' and they don't get it, they couldn't be further from me by going that route," the Public Image Ltd (PiL) frontman said. "It's not a compliment because it shows a lack of individuality, and they should know that really. "The art of the individual is to be yourself and I will really enjoy and respect you for that."
