John Lydon expresses his deep frustration and disappointment regarding the decision made by his former band, the Sex Pistols, to embark on a tour without his participation. In a candid interview with The I Paper, the iconic singer, often referred to as Johnny Rotten, shared his thoughts, stating, ?When I first heard that the Sex Pistols were touring this year without me, it pissed me off. It annoyed me. I just thought, ?They?re absolutely going to kill all that was good with the Pistols by eliminating the point and the purpose of it all.’? His comments reveal a sense of betrayal and a belief that the essence of the band is being compromised.

The reunited Sex Pistols, now fronted by singer Frank Carter, have announced an upcoming tour scheduled for 2025, featuring performances at major festivals and select gigs opening for Guns N? Roses. Lydon perceives this move by the remaining classic members?Steve Jones, Paul Cook, and Glen Matlock?as a mere cash grab, lacking authenticity and the spirit that defined the band. He emphasizes that their actions diminish the legacy of the Sex Pistols and the significance of their music.

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Lydon criticizes the current direction of the band, suggesting they are trivializing their legacy for commercial gain. ?They?re trying to trivialize the whole show to get away with karaoke, but in the long term, I think you?ll see who has the value and who doesn?t,? he asserted. ?I?ve never sold my soul to make a dollar. It?s the Catholic in me ? that guilt I don?t want to trip.? His remarks speak to the deep-seated values he holds regarding art and integrity in music.

Claiming My Legacy: “I Wrote the F?ing Songs”

In a subsequent interview featured in Classic Album Review, Lydon reiterated his strong opposition to the notion of the Sex Pistols touring without his involvement. He passionately declared, “I wrote the fucking songs, didn’t I? I gave them the image. I was the frontman.? This declaration underscores his belief that he is an integral part of the band’s identity and success. He further stated, ?I am the voice, what made the whole world sing. And now you’re going out, as they did the year before with Billy Idol. It’s just karaoke, really.? His comments highlight his frustration with what he perceives as a dilution of the band?s artistic integrity.

The reference to Generation Sex, a project that included members of the Sex Pistols alongside Generation X?billed with Billy Idol?illustrates Lydon?s concerns about authenticity in live performances. This supergroup performed 14 shows in 2023, focusing on a mix of material from both bands, further emphasizing the blending of legacies that Lydon feels undermines the original spirit of the Sex Pistols.