John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) has revealed that he hasn’t heard from his former Sex Pistols bandmates in years, and that they didn’t even reach out to him when his wife, Nora Forster, died in 2023.
Lydon has been highly critical of fellow founding Sex Pistols members Steve Jones, Glen Matlock, and Paul Cook touring as the Sex Pistols Featuring Frank Carter in recent years, likening it to “karaoke.” However, in a new interview with The Times, the singer admitted he still has good memories of his former bandmates during his time in the legendary punk act.
“I still have a very great fondness for the chaps from that period,” said Lydon. “What they evolved — or devolved — into since is another consequence.”
As for the lack of communication with his former Pistols bandmates, Lydon noted, “I expected some kind of connection when Nora died, but nothing.”
He also doubled down on previous comments that he would never rejoin the Pistols again, offering a stern “No” to that question. Back in April, Lydon told PA Media of a potential reunion, “Never, not after what I consider their dirty deeds, let them wallow in Walt Disney woke expectations. They’ve killed the content, or done their best to, and turned the whole thing into a rubbish, childishness, and that’s unacceptable.”
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In the meantime, Lydon continues to tour with his longtime band Public Image Ltd, who are currently in the midst of a winter UK tour. Next up, PiL will embark on a South American outing in April, before launching a European jaunt in May, with tickets available here.
See Lydon and PiL performing their classic song “Rise” a couple nights ago at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town below.
