The fire still burns bright in the heart of John Lydon, the infamous Johnny Rotten, who's never been one to mince words. In a scathing rebuke, he's once again made it clear he'll "never forgive" his former Sex Pistols bandmates for their role in a bitter legal battle that left him reeling. Those "special people with special needs" – Steve Jones, Paul Cook, and Glen Matlock – have well and truly earned his wrath.
The seeds of discord were sown back in 2021 when Lydon refused to grant permission for the Sex Pistols' music to be used in Danny Boyle's Pistol series. He lost that fight, but what really stung was the timing – he was already shouldering a massive burden as his wife Nora Forster battled Alzheimer's. The financial demands of the lawsuit, estimated at £8 million ($10 million) within the first week, were a significant weight on his shoulders, diverting funds he could have used to care for her.
Lydon's anger is palpable when he recalls the court case: "They knew she was ill. That makes it a most unfortunate act." The personal context has intensified his feelings of betrayal and resentment towards his former colleagues – no surprise there, given the emotional toll this ordeal took on him. When asked about a potential reunion with the Sex Pistols, Lydon's response was swift and decisive: "Minus infinities" – that's a clear thumbs-down.
He also didn't hold back in criticising the Pistol series itself, labelling it a "mockumentary". His anger over the legal battle is still simmering, and he's not afraid to call out his former bandmates for their actions. When asked if they'd even reached out after his wife passed away, Lydon made it clear: "No, they didn't." Glen Matlock, in particular, has earned his ire – "I've never liked him" is a rather understatement.
The Sex Pistols are currently touring the UK and Ireland to celebrate 50 years of punk, but Lydon's not buying it. He's previously called their reunion efforts "karaoke" and "almost malicious in its intent." Matlock has shot back with a simple: "It's just not gonna happen."