John Lydon discusses Trump, MacGowan, and fishing for mackerel in East Cork
John Lydon’s busy schedule at 69 years old shows no signs of slowing down. With his band Public Image Ltd (PiL) touring Europe and his upcoming spoken word tour across Ireland and the UK, Lydon is always on the move. Besides music and touring, Lydon also finds time for painting and swimming, which he credits for keeping him fit and healthy.
In addition to his music career, Lydon ventured into acting, starring in “Copkiller” alongside Harvey Keitel in 1983. Reflecting on this experience, he recalls being thrown into the deep end and drawing parallels to his friend, Sid Vicious. Lydon’s association with Sid involved sharing anecdotes about their youth, admiring Sid’s improvisational skills, and observing the hair-drying antics that led to accidental fires.
Lydon is best known for his time with the Sex Pistols, a punk band that caused a stir in the UK and captivated audiences worldwide. Following the band’s breakup, Lydon formed PiL shortly after, a move that marked a significant shift in his music career. Reflecting on fellow musicians like Shane MacGowan, Lydon acknowledges the influence of his Irish roots on his musical journey and career.
Revealing his parental heritage, Lydon recounts his ties to Ireland and childhood memories of spending summers in east Cork. With his granddad being a fisherman, Lydon developed a fondness for mackerel, his favorite fish. Recalling a sighting of a whale in the bay and singing local Cork songs, Lydon expresses his love for Ireland’s beauty and unique culture.
Despite his undeniable connection to Ireland and Irish citizenship, Lydon’s political views are controversial. He openly admits to voting for Donald Trump and challenges the modern left-wing narrative, criticizing what he perceives as left-wing extremism and the academic indoctrination prevalent in universities.
Living a nomadic lifestyle split between the United States and the UK, Lydon’s turbulent past, including an incident in Dublin that led to his arrest in 1980, shaped his decision to relocate to the US. Facing obstacles and bans in the UK, America offered new opportunities for PiL to perform and thrive, leading to a significant chapter in Lydon’s musical journey.
In conclusion, John Lydon’s multifaceted career, rooted in his punk rock origins and influenced by his Irish heritage, continues to evolve with his music, tours, and spoken word performances. Embracing his past while challenging conventions and aligning with controversial figures, Lydon remains a complex and enigmatic figure in the music industry.