John Lydon, also known as Johnny Rotten, is one of the most famous and controversial figures in punk rock history. As the frontman of the Sex Pistols, he helped change music forever with his anger, honesty, and refusal to follow rules. Decades later, however, Lydon’s relationship with his former bandmates remains broken—and recent events have made that pain even deeper.
For many years, Lydon has been publicly feuding with Steve Jones, Paul Cook, and Glen Matlock, the other original members of the Sex Pistols. Their disagreements are not just about music, but also about respect, control, and how the band’s legacy should be handled. Things became even worse after the release of the Disney+ series Pistol and the band’s reunion without Lydon.
A Personal Loss That Brought Silence
In 2023, John Lydon suffered a devastating personal loss when his wife Nora Forster passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Lydon and Nora had been married since 1979, and their relationship was a huge part of his life. During her illness, Lydon stepped away from much of his career to care for her full time. He often spoke about her with love and admiration, describing her as bright, strong, and full of life.
After her death, Lydon expected—at the very least—a message from his former bandmates. In a recent interview, he admitted that he was surprised and hurt when none of them reached out. He said he expected “some kind of connection,” but there was nothing. No phone call. No message. No condolences.
This silence clearly affected him. While the feud between them has been public for years, moments like the death of a loved one often rise above old arguments. For Lydon, the lack of contact felt deeply personal.
The Pistol Series and Old Wounds
Another major reason the feud continues is the Disney+ series Pistol, directed by Danny Boyle. The show tells the story of the Sex Pistols from the perspective of guitarist Steve Jones. Lydon strongly criticised the series, saying it was inaccurate, shallow, and had nothing to do with the real spirit of the band.
One of Lydon’s biggest complaints was that he was never asked to contribute. He felt excluded from a story that was just as much his own. He even tried to legally stop the show from using Sex Pistols music, but he lost the case. A past band agreement allowed decisions to be made by majority vote, meaning his approval was not required.
Danny Boyle responded by saying he expected Lydon to hate the series and even welcomed the criticism. Lydon, however, called Boyle’s comments “disgusting” and said the show damaged the band’s legacy.
A Reunion Without Johnny Rotten
Adding fuel to the fire, the Sex Pistols recently reunited for live shows with Frank Carter as the new lead singer. While some fans enjoyed seeing the band perform again, Lydon strongly criticised the move. He said the reunion felt empty and childish, and that it stripped the music of its original meaning.
For Lydon, the Sex Pistols were never just about songs—they were about attitude, truth, and rebellion. Seeing the band continue without him, especially after everything that has happened, feels like a betrayal.
A Feud That Still Hurts
John Lydon has always been outspoken, but beneath the anger is a man who has experienced real loss and disappointment. The death of his wife, combined with years of unresolved conflict, has made the distance between him and his former bandmates impossible to ignore.
Whether the wounds will ever heal is unclear. What is clear is that the story of the Sex Pistols is not just one of punk rock rebellion, but also of broken relationships, missed chances, and silence when it mattered most.