PiL continued in one form or another through three decades, releasing numerous albums, and scoring some unlikely hits along the way. The change of direction would frustrate many Sex Pistols fans, but equally open up a variety of people to more eclectic tastes. PiL went onto blend a variety of different musical styles there were no rules. Lydon’s unique vocal style and perceptive lyrics remained, however, PiL were nothing like the Sex Pistols. McLaren tried to legally prevent him using the name “Rotten” (which he later won back) – but regardless – this was a new beginning. When the Sex Pistols split in January 1978 John quickly moved onto Public Image Limited (PiL). John was attacked in the street and slashed several times. Not for the first or last time, John didn’t back down.Īfter signing to Virgin Records in 1977 (their third label in less than nine months) the Pistols released John’s alternative National Anthem ‘God Save The Queen’ during the Queen’s Silver Jubilee celebrations. While appearing on The ‘Today’ TV show in December 1976 John was goaded into swearing by presenter Bill Grundy. Despite John vehemently rejecting the term, the Sex Pistols found themselves at the forefront of what would later become known as “Punk”. His scintillating vocal delivery and forthright lyrics – matched with the band’s power and energy – soon saw the Pistols build up a word-of-mouth following. On account of his decaying teeth John was re-christened “Johnny Rotten”. Things just wouldn’t be the same at all…Īlthough John had no previous musical experience, less than six months later the Sex Pistols made their live debut at St Martins College of Art, November 6th 1975. If John had not joined the band that would later become the Sex Pistols, back in 1975 they would have been a very, very different band. It is a well-worn story that John was spotted wearing a “I Hate Pink Floyd” t-shirt and invited to audition as singer for a fledgling band that had been pestering Malcolm McLaren to manage them. He attended Hackney & Stoke Newington College of Further Education, then later Kingsway College, to finish his exams. The experience only made him stronger and more determined.īefore John could complete his O Levels he was expelled from Catholic secondary school for daring to question teachers and refusing to toe the line. On returning to school he was painfully shy and labeled a “dummy”. Wiping most of his early memories and affecting his eyesight. John and family later moved to a council flat in Finsbury Park when he was around 11 years old.Īged seven he contracted a serious bout of meningitis which put him in and out of coma’s for almost a year. “I think too many people tell me what I think and not enough ask me…”īorn to Irish parents, and the eldest of three brothers, John Lydon grew up in Holloway, North London – present site of the Arsenal Stadium – in a small flat where his family shared an outdoor toilet with the public.
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