David Bowie played a pivotal role in shaping the punk movement. He was the extraterrestrial being who predicted a rejuvenated future emerging from the remnants of the idealistic 1960s era. The trajectory of Ziggy Stardust eerily foreshadowed the imminent upheaval that awaited. John Lydon has consistently emphasized his role in bringing the aspirations of his older English counterparts to life through the Sex Pistols, without relying on any support from the supposed pioneers of punk in New York City.
When I spoke to him many years later, he still held strong opinions about this cultural ‘discrepancy‘. Many American journalists often attribute the origins of punk music to New York. Oh, please excuse my frustration; it seems to be expressing dissatisfaction. I grew up in Britain! Lydon raised his voice, glaring into his webcam.
“Mud, The Sweet, T. Rex, Mott the Hoople, Dave Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Alex Harvey Band, Status Quo, Traffic, and a multitude of other incredible artists make up a vast and diverse universe of music.” That’s what inspired me,” the confident lead singer quickly added. Bowie stood out as a prominent figure from the very beginning. Although it is undeniable that bands like The Ramones and Richard Hell influenced the British music scene, Lydon’s point may hold some truth in suggesting that David Bowie’s unique and influential persona had already sparked something new within the Sex Pistols singer.
This is a line that he has consistently used over the years, emphasizing the point with conviction. “Dave Bowie, T. Rex, go away, Electric Warrior, Hunky Dory, Ziggy Stardust.” Can anyone recommend some poetry enthusiasts from New York who can inspire me? “I highly doubt it,” he remarked during a recent Q&A session in Glasgow. “I adored Hunky Dory, it was truly incredible,” he exclaimed, emphasizing that the album holds a special place among his top favorites.
There was a noticeable contrast between Bowie and everything else on the record, which is why John Lydon has been very deliberate in selecting and showcasing his acknowledged influences since then. Indeed, similar to Never Mind the Bollocks, Bowie possessed the songs to complement his groundbreaking style. “I also love the songwriting, originality, and absurdity of it,” he enthusiastically expressed. Not only were Bowie’s early cult albums on his radar, but they also captivated him, leaving him utterly enamored with this extraordinary extraterrestrial.
Nevertheless, John Lydon is not one to let his heroes go unchecked. Throughout the years, he had numerous encounters with Bowie that didn’t quite go according to plan, yet he remained a dedicated fan of his early work. He was prompt in criticizing when he believed the ‘Ashes to Ashes‘ actor had veered off course. It was quite evident when he casually entered the Virgin Records office in Los Angeles in 1997.
Scattered across the floor was a massive poster featuring Bowie’s Earthling album. Lydon did not enjoy the jungle record. Journalist Roger Morton eagerly anticipated Lydon’s arrival for an interview regarding his latest solo record. From the pre-arranged room, he remembered witnessing the peculiar sight of Lydon in the lobby, enthusiastically jumping up and down on the Earthling artwork on the floor, pressing his trainers into it with each landing. And he gazed at his scuffs and exclaimed, “It’s amazing!”
He would soon explain to a confused secretary his strong determination to mess up the large ‘Dave’ display on the office floor, adorned with the Union Jack. He glanced at the desk with a series of disapproving jumps and exclaimed, “That record was dreadful!”
“That was quite daring,” he would later praise, referring to Bowie confidently posing on a bed in what seemed to be a dress for the cover of The Man Who Sold the World. “However, he was incredibly skilled, rendering any concerns irrelevant.” It appears that as the 2000s approached, Johnny Rotten had concluded that his hero was no longer meeting his standards. He introduced him to the “brave new world,” and he admits he will always be grateful for that. However, since then, he has consistently doubted Bowie’s continued brilliance.
