John Lydon has been able to recommend a limited number of bands. Ever the frontman of the punk movement, Lydon has always lived up to his “rotten” image when he speaks in an interview. He pushes the boundaries, willing to put any artist through the wringer he feels is deserving of it. Lydon believed one band embodied the worst of punk, though he may have contributed to its invention.
The whole concept behind Sex Pistols at the time of Lydon and Steve Jones’ formation was shattering every convention that had existed before it. Their rebellious ethos and provocative approach defined a new era in punk rock. Despite weaker musicianship compared to mainstream rock, the energy on Nevermind the Bollocks stirred controversy, defining the Sex Pistols‘ impact. This led to a wave of imitations, solidifying the Sex Pistols’ impact on the punk rock landscape.
The punk culture shifted toward more contemporary sounds as the 1980s got underway. Following MTV’s takeover, the next wave of punk went underground. Groups like Minor Threat led the hardcore movement, adopting a DIY look for their music. Punk was destined for another reinvention once grunge took off, even though Lydon had already reinvented himself in Public Image Ltd.
Even though bands like Nirvana embraced punk, most mainstream audiences didn’t experience punk until it was incorporated into pop songs. Fans began to rebel against authority figures in their lives, such as their parents telling them to get up for school. They became proud to dye their hair any color they wanted, thanks to acts like Green Day.
Although Lydon didn’t have time for Green Day during his tenure, the sounds became even more popular. This happened when Blink-182 began to gain traction in the late 1990s. The punk group swiftly rose to fame after releasing Enema of the State. Frequently mocking the music video format, they did so notably with “What’s My Age Again” and “All the Small Things.”
But despite all of their falsehood, John Lydon was not impressed by the band at first. In response to a question about his admiration for the band, Lydon said, “No.” That group of foolish boys. They mimic a comedic performance. In my opinion, the ultimate insult is that they are so amazing that they should be a regular feature on Saturday Night Live.
Despite Lydon’s remarks, the band became a major force in music over the next few years, achieving widespread success. Before going on hiatus, Blink-182 continued to experiment with different sounds outside of punk rock, delving into new wave and post-punk. They even had Robert Smith of The Cure sing a guest verse on their song “All Of This.”
However, Lydon’s distaste for the group might have originated from two very different subgenres of punk rock. While Sex Pistols aimed to overthrow the established order, Blink-182 derived their energy from the same punk fun that Ramones had begun. This happened during the same period, showcasing diverse expressions within punk rock.
1 comment
Blink 182 not punk, but an interesting article otherwise.