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Friday 31 August 2007

Pretty Vacancies

20/08/2007

Was just watching the classic "Norman Lamont incident" with Julian Clary and stumbled across another live wire: Mr John Lydon, better known to some as Johnny Rotten, of the Sex Pistols.

Loud, uncouth, ignorant, unpredictable and uncontrollable, I used to think the guy who had everyone locking up their daughters in those torrid times was a total loser. But after checking some of his interviews my opinions have changed.

Of course, the guy steamrollers over the interviewer and says what he thinks -no change there- which is why he must be given credit where it's due! As blunt as a sledgehammer, Rotten's honesty makes his interviews a scream to watch ("I've got a few words for you!" at the Q Awards).

Back in the day, everyone was against him. His music was feared by the Establishment, who didn't want the nation's youth being corrupted by Rotten's politics and anti-social behaviour. He was feared even more by parents, who didn't want young anarchists to contend with in their households ("Can you pass me the salt? - Up yours!").

The media backlash against all things Rotten was equally brutal. It gave him an excuse to dish out revenge of the most humilliating kind on live TV. Some of those unsuspecting interviewers should have really known what they were in for.

Now, in the late 20th century and early 21st, Lydon is a star again, a while back having been in "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here".

But there is one crucial difference: he hasn't sold out and probably never will.

Instead he continues to slag off his critics and generally insult all those who've been against him in the past, not to mention those who ask lousy questions or make duff comments. It all makes this interview with Richard and Judy interview pure gold (I've always said she's one stupid madam!).

Honesty is the best policy - and there's no-one more honest than Johnny Rotten. If I thought he'd appreciate it, I'd give him an award.

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