John Lydon Reflects on Estrangement from Sex Pistols Bandmates

John Lydon, known as Johnny Rotten from the iconic punk band Sex Pistols, has publicly expressed his disappointment over the lack of communication from his former bandmates following the death of his wife, Nora Forster, in 2023. In a recent interview with The Times, Lydon revealed, “I expected some kind of connection when Nora died, but nothing.” This statement underscores a significant rift that has developed between Lydon and his former bandmates—guitarist Steve Jones, bassist Glen Matlock, and drummer Paul Cook—over the years.

Rolling StoneJohn Lydon Says He Hasn’t Heard from Sex Pistols in Years, Including When His Wife Died

The estrangement has been exacerbated by a series of disputes, including a lawsuit filed by Jones and Cook against Lydon in 2021 regarding the use of Sex Pistols' music in the miniseries "Pistol," which is based on Jones' memoirs. Lydon has been critical of the series, describing it as “terrible” and expressing frustration over not being consulted. He stated, “Something in me wanted it to be good, but it might as well have been about the Partridge Family.”

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The ongoing tensions have led to the formation of a new iteration of the Sex Pistols, now performing as "Sex Pistols Featuring Frank Carter," which Lydon has likened to “karaoke.” He has consistently rejected the idea of reuniting with his former bandmates, responding with a definitive “No” when asked about the possibility.

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The sentiments expressed by Lydon are echoed by his former bandmates, who have also voiced their disinterest in rekindling their relationship. In past interviews, Jones has stated that he has “no friendship” with Lydon and has not spoken to him since 2008. Matlock has characterized Lydon’s behavior during tours as “childish,” while Cook has dismissed the idea of a reunion, asserting, “We wouldn’t want to do it, and John definitely wouldn’t want to do it after what’s happened.”

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Despite the estrangement, Lydon continues to pursue his music career with his band Public Image Ltd., which is currently on a winter tour in the UK and has plans for South America and Europe in the coming months. Meanwhile, the Sex Pistols Featuring Frank Carter are also scheduled for European tour dates, although none overlap with Lydon's performances.

John Lydon Says He Hasn’t Heard from Sex Pistols in Years, Including When His Wife Died

• “I expected some kind of connection when [my wife] Nora died [in 2023], but nothing,” — John Lydon

Rolling Stone

• “Something in me wanted it to be good, but it might as well have been about the Partridge Family,” — John Lydon

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• “We wouldn’t want to do it, and John definitely wouldn’t want to do it after what’s happened,” — Paul Cook

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This ongoing conflict highlights the complexities of relationships within the punk rock legacy, as both Lydon and his former bandmates navigate their separate paths in the music industry.

John Lydon Says He Hasn’t Heard from Sex Pistols in Years, Including When His Wife Died