John Lydon
Birth : 1956-01-31, London, England, UK
History
John Joseph Lydon (born 31 January 1956), also known by his stage name Johnny Rotten, is an English singer, songwriter and musician. He is best known as the lead singer of the late-1970s British punk band the Sex Pistols, which lasted from 1975 until 1978, and again for various revivals during the 1990s and 2000s. He is also the lead singer of post-punk band Public Image Ltd (PiL), which he founded and fronted from 1978 until 1993, and again since 2009.
Lydon's outspoken persona, rebellious image and fashion style led to his being asked to become the singer of the Sex Pistols by their manager, Malcolm McLaren. With the Sex Pistols, he penned singles including "Anarchy in the U.K.," "God Save the Queen", "Pretty Vacant" and "Holidays in the Sun", the content of which precipitated what one commentator described as the "last and greatest outbreak of pop-based moral pandemonium" in Britain. The band scandalised much of the media, and Lydon was seen as a figurehead of the burgeoning punk movement. Because of their controversial lyrics and disrepute at the time, they are regarded as one of the most influential acts in the history of popular music. [source: Wikipedia]
Self (archive footage)
Kylie and The Bee Gees are compared to see who had the better music, comebacks, dancing, legacy and more.
Self
Documentary about Don Letts who played a leading role in pop history. Letts injected Afro-Caribbean music into the early punk scene and shot over 300 music videos including for Public Image Ltd. and Bob Marley, but also for teen sensations Musical Youth's reggae smash 'Pass The Dutchie'. Besides his enduring relationship with The Clash, the constant factor in Letts' eventful career as a DJ, manager, film director, musician and radio maker is that, from the 1970s on, he continued to draw attention to cultural issues, as he does today with his radio programme for BBC 6, Culture Clash Radio.
A career boxset coming in the form of a 5CD/2DVD is released to coincide with the career-spanning documentary film about Public Image Ltd titled The Public Image Is Rotten. This box set ‘The Public Image Is Rotten (Songs From The Heart)’ features the PiL Singles Collection, B-sides, Rarities and Radio Sessions, 12” Mixes, Unreleased Mixes and Tracks + a Live concert from New York Ritz in July 1989. The DVD includes PiL promo videos + some live footage from the BBC’s Top Of The Pops and Old Grey Whistle Test. Just in case that wasn’t enough, we’ve also included two live concerts, the first Tallinn Rock Summer Festival in Estonia 1988 and the 2013’s Enmore Theatre in Australia.
Himself
'Who the Fuck is That Guy'? The Fabulous Journey of Michael Alago tells the astonishing story of a gay Puerto Rican kid growing up in a Hasidic Brooklyn neighborhood, who got on the subway one day and began a musical odyssey that helped shape the musical landscape across N.Y.C. and around the world. Directed by Drew Stone and produced by Michael Alex the film tells the incredible story of a cherished New York City icon. From rubbing elbows with N. Y. scene makers as an teenager at Max's Kansas City and CBGB, to being the architect of a rock 'n' roll renaissance as the 19 year-old talent booker at the legendary Ritz, to making history as a 24 year-old A&R exec, signing the biggest metal band in a generation in Metallica, Michael Alago was on fire.
Himself
Documentary about reggae music and culture in London in 1977. Filmed in Super 8 camera by Don Letts. With participation of Richard Branson, Neneh Cherry, Paul Cook, Sly Dunbar, Paul Weller, John Lydon, Joe Strummer, Siouxsie Sioux, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry and others. Released in 2017.
Himself
British rock icon John Lydon and fellow bandmates recall the years they spent performing as Public Image Ltd.
John Lydon
In this modern love story set against the Austin, Texas music scene, two entangled couples — struggling songwriters Faye and BV, and music mogul Cook and the waitress whom he ensnares — chase success through a rock ‘n’ roll landscape of seduction and betrayal.
Self
550 artists were interviewed over ten years. At some point during those interviews, they were asked a question and told to answer with one word only. Some stuck to one, some said more, some answered quickly, some thought it through, and some didn't answer at all. That question… Lennon or McCartney?
Himself
This documentary explores Kate Bush's career and music, from January 1978's Wuthering Heights to her 2011 album 50 Words for Snow, through the testimony of some of her key collaborators and those she has inspired.
Performer
More Dangerous Songs: And the Banned Played On features previously banned songs by the BBC including "Lola" by the Kinks, "Jackie" by Scott Walker and "(We Don't Need this) Fascist Groove Thang" by Heaven 17.
Self
Emerging from the Detroit music scene of the 1970s in a flurry of long hair and sequins, Alice Cooper restored hard rock with a sense of showmanship, while simultaneously striking fear into the hearts of Middle America with the chicken-slaughtering, dead-baby-eating theatrics that would cement his identity as a glam metal icon. Meticulously crafted from rare archival footage, Super Duper Alice Cooper tells the story of the man behind the makeup, Vincent Furnier, the son of a preacher, who got caught in the grip of his own monster.
John Lydon
Director Julien Temple presents a unique insight into the tradition and transgression of Christmas. Featuring interviews and 70s archive, framing the Sex Pistols’ last UK concert with Sid Vicious, for the children of striking firemen in Huddersfield on Christmas Day 1977.
Self
Ginger Baker is known for playing in Cream and Blind Faith, but the world's greatest drummer didn’t hit his stride until 1972, when he arrived in Nigeria and discovered Fela Kuti's Afrobeat. After leaving Nigeria, Ginger returned to his pattern of drug-induced self-destruction, and countless groundbreaking musical works, eventually settling in South Africa, where the 73-year-old lives with his young bride and 39 polo ponies. This documentary includes interviews with Eric Clapton, Steve Winwood, Carlos Santana and more. Beware of Mr. Baker! With every smash of the drum is a man smashing his way through life.
Public Image Limited provide a monumental live performance at London's Heaven, showcasing tracks from the new album. The (London) Times commented "This was an evening of uncompromising art and music; worthy of the total concentration of the audience.
Himself
An archive celebration of studio performances from the British bands that broke through courtesy of punk between 1975 and 1982. Starting with Dr Feelgood and Eddie and the Hot Rods and culminating in Gang of Four, with performances from Top of the Pops, The Old Grey Whistle Test, Something Else and other shows by The Sex Pistols, The Clash, The Buzzcocks, The Damned, Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees and many more. Hey ho, let's go!
Johnny Rotten
It’s not easy to rebel when your dad wants to join the party... One day (in 1979), Magnus and his son Nikolaj hit the wall in their new terrace house in Rykkinn. Magnus is an architect, hippie and free spirit, a glaring exception in a community where equality and conformity is the norm. He always stands up for his son, supporting him unconditionally, even when Nikolaj decides to stop giving a damn.
Himself
Rules are made to be broken and over three decades, the Sex Pistols lived this lifestyle better than anyone. The Sex Pistols went from public enemy number one to national treasures, and influenced an entire generation along the way. With rare and exclusive interviews and live performances, band members tell their side of the story. There was nothing like them before, and there’s been nothing quite like them since. Without them, popular culture would be very different. They ignited the punk rock revolution in Britain and created controversies that often eclipsed their music. During their twenty-six month existence they released just one album, and a handful of singles, which remain some of the most definitive releases in the history of modern music
Self
There'll Always Be an England' - named after Vera Lynn's stirring intro music - was recorded on Saturday, November 10th and captures the energy and excitement of the band and the crowd. The whole of the classic 'Never Mind The Bollocks' album is performed, together with a mixture Pistols cover versions, b-sides and even an impromptu crowd sing-along of 'I Do Like To Be Beside the Seaside'.
Himself
On the edge of the 30th anniversary of punk rock, Punk's Not Dead takes you into the sweaty underground clubs, backyard parties, recording studios, shopping malls and stadiums where punk rock music and culture continue to thrive.
This 2-DVD set captures explosive live performances and revealing interviews on DVD for the first time ever from the forefathers of the punk and new wave movements, such as The Ramones, Elvis Costello, Iggy Pop, John Lydon (of The Sex Pistols and PiL), Joan Jett, The Jam, Patti Smith, The Plasmatics, and much more! Highlights Include The Ramones' fiery performance of "I Wanna Be Sedated" and "The KKK Took My Baby Away". An unforgettable verbal spat between John Lydon and Tom Snyder. Elvis Costello's frenzied performance of "Watch Your Step". Iggy Pop's offering of "TV Eye". Roundtable discussion between Joan Jett, Paul Weller (The Jam), Bill Graham, and others regarding the current state of punk rock and much much more!
Himself
This 70-minute documentary covers the entire career of Joy Division, one of Manchester and Post-Punks most respected bands. It charts the entire short lifespan of the group, from their origins in their days as Warsaw to the more well known incarnation of Joy Division. Features include rare musical performances, obscure footage of rare interviews and rarely seen photographs. Plus review, comment, criticism and insight from; Mick Middles, co-author of Torn Apart: The Life Of Ian Curtis; former NME and Melody Maker journalist, Barney Hoskyns; Ex-Mojo Magazine editor, Pat Gilbert; Manchester punk musician and author, John Robb; music journalist and author David Stubbs; and more.
A collection of music videos from celebrated British electronic band Leftfield.
Combining rare archival footage and in-depth interviews with fans and fellow musicians, this documentary provides fascinating insight into the highs and lows of the infamous Sex Pistols -- the nihilistic British rockers who changed the face of rock 'n' roll with their raw sound and refusal to comply. A punked-out soundtrack includes "Anarchy in the UK," "God Save the Queen," "Pretty Vacant" and "Holidays in the Sun."
A years-in-the-making documentary on the legendary punk band the Ramones. Through a mixture of archival footage, archival and new interviews with all members of the band's various lineups, and new interviews with a number of their contemporaries, the film traces the peaks and valleys the band experienced over the course of its 20-plus year career before disbanding in 1995.
Self - Vocals
The Sex Pistols album Never Mind The Bollocks Here's The Sex Pistols is unquestionably one of the most important musical statements in the history of British music. It was in 1977, at a time when the nation was crippled by class division and unemployment that four working class teenagers with supposedly non-existent futures recorded an album that to this day remains as one of the greatest and most influential bodies of work ever recorded. This documentary features exclusive interview's with all four of the original members of the Sex Pistols as they take you on a track by track look at the making of the album. Featuring Steve Jones and Glen Matlock demonstrating selected riffs and licks off the album and explaining the development of the song writing. Candid interviews with Malcolm McLaren, Chris Thomas and Bill Price set the record straight about the recording session. Intertwining additional rare home video, live footage and early demo's make this release a compelling must see.
Himself (archive footage)
Lou Reed narrates this Television special that takes a look back at the beginnings of the punk rock movements in New York & England, the underground punk scenes in the 70's & 80's, and the punk resurgence in the 90's. A collaboration between VH1 and Spin magazine.
Himself (as Johnny Rotten)
Julien Temple's second documentary profiling punk rock pioneers the Sex Pistols is an enlightening, entertaining trip back to a time when the punk movement was just discovering itself. Featuring archival footage, never-before-seen performances, rehearsals, and recording sessions as well as interviews with group members who lived to tell the tale--including the one and only John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten).
Amusing ARTE Special with SEX PISTOLS, CLASH, GENERATION X, DEAD BOYS, DAMNED, and more This rare documentary covers three very influential years in the shaping of punk rock: 1976-1979. more... Punk rock music was emerging as a solid genre, standing apart from the fuzzed out garage rock that came before it. This video documents the bands that pushed the envelope--The Clash, Sham 69, Generation X, The Dead Boys, X-Ray Spex...Some cool footage...newsreels on Sid Vicious' killing of Nancy Spungen, overdose... and more!
Johnny Rotton (Himself)
Here’s the Sex Pistols – the original Sex Pistols, with Glen Matlock on bass – in an intense, non-stop onslaught of pure punk rock in a 1996 reunion tour, shot at the fabled Nippon Budokan in Tokyo. John Lydon returns as Johnny Rotten, with two-tone hair, red shorts, and no letup from the famous raw, shouted vocals with which he helped invent UK punk in the 1970’s. Steve Jones, Glen Matlock and Paul Cook blast out the music in the Pistols’ trademark fast, tight, loud style, reviving a host of Sex Pistols favourites. While the great punk-rock moment that the Sex Pistols created and owned in the mid-1970’s was brief and fleeting, this concert shows that punk rock – and the band that made it famous – will never die. A searing evening of wild music.
Himself - Vocals
The concert was recorded live on the Japanese leg of the band's Filthy Lucre Tour. This release is unique in that it is the only officially available full-length visual record of the band's performances on their 1996 Filthy Lucre Tour. Tracklist: 1. Bodies 2. Seventeen 3. New York 4. No Feelings" 5. Did You No Wrong 6. God Save the Queen 7. Liar 8. Satellite 9. (I'm Not Your) Stepping Stone 10. Submission 11. Holidays in the Sun 12. Pretty Vacant 13. EMI 14. Anarchy in the UK 15. Problems
Himself (archive footage)
In this 1995 made-for television biopic, see legendary musician and filmmaker Ivan Kral as he made music history. With guitar and camera in the 70s, playing with Iggy Pop, Blondie and Patti Smith Group, he triumphed, rising from refugee to rock icon.
Himself
Featuring portions of over a dozen songs, humorous British 'punk' ads, opinions, Ronnie Biggs, Malcolm McLaren (of course!), and a fantastic not-so-candid Lydon interview.
Himself
Featuring the infamous Bill Grundy interview, snippets of live footage including God Save the Queen, No Fun, and two version of Anarchy in the UK. Also watch for cameos by Siouxie, Malcolm, Vivienne, Jordan from Jubilee, and Shane McGowan who would later form the Pogues.
Leo Smith
A NYPD officer imprisons and tortures an admitted cop-killer, but finds the tables turned when his victim refuses to break and in fact urges more punishment.
A fascinating story of rock n roll told through the clothes of those who lived it! From Elvis to Bowie, ducktails to Mohawks, this is the definitive look at Rock n Roll fashion.
Himself
Documentary chronicaling the rise and fall of the punk movement with rare interview footage of Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen. Also concert and news footage.
The Collaborator
A rather incoherent post-breakup Sex Pistols "documentary", told from the point of view of Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren, whose (arguable) position is that the Sex Pistols in particular and punk rock in general were an elaborate scam perpetrated by him in order to make "a million pounds."
Self
Documentary about the pedigrees of punk featuring The Boomtown Rats, Sex Pistols, Pretenders, The Clash, The Jam, Madness, Ian Dury & The Blockheads, The Specials, Secret Affair, and many ...
Himself
Documentary on the London punk-rock scene, circa '78
Himself - Vocals
Live At The Winterland Ballroom, San Francisco. 1978.01.14.
Himself
The Sex Pistols captured live onstage at the very end of their fame (they split days after this show). Sid Vicious had by now replaced bassist Glenn Matlock, but internal divisions in the band would come to a head during this winter tour of the US. Numbers performed include 'Pretty Vacant', 'Anarchy in the UK' and 'No Fun'. Live at the Longhorn Ballroom, Dallas, January 10, 1978.
Through her work for the magazine Search and Destroy in San Francisco, Mondini-VanLoo met several prominent punk bands (including the Sex Pistols) whom she interviews and films. Intrigued by Holidays in the Sun, Johnny Rotten’s song about the Berlin Wall, the next time she is in Berlin she clandestinely films the wall and includes edited footage of the Sex Pistol’s last concert with Sid Vicious at Winterland in San Francisco.
Performance videos released by Sex Pistols ex-producer Dave Goodman in 2005.
Anarchy in the U.K.
Problems
No Future
No Feelings
No Fun
Seventeen
Pretty Vacant
Substitute
Submission
Satellite
EMI
New York
I Wanna Be Me
Pro-shot Broadcast recording of The Sex Pistols, recorded live at the Phoenix Festival, on July 21st, 1996, with lots of bonus footage.
Clips of the Pistols from various sources. Anarchy in the U.K. (So It Goes); Pretty Vacant (Maasbree); Anarchy in the U.K. (Maasbree); EMI (Maasbree); God Save The Queen (promo); No Fun (Notre Dame Hall); New York (Stockholm); 17 (Stockholm); God Save The Queen ("Sex Pistols Number 1"); Anarchy in the U.K. (from DOA); I Wanna Be Me (Stockholm - bootleg quality); God Save The Queen (from DOA); Anarchy in the U.K. (1992 promo); Pretty Vacant (from DOA); EMI (from DOA); Pretty Vacant (promo); New York (from DOA); Anarchy in the U.K. (Stockholm - bootleg quality); Problems (Stockholm - bootleg quality); No Fun (Stockholm - bootleg quality); Bodies (from DOA); Anarchy in the U.K. (Jubilee Boat Trip); Pretty Vacant (Jubilee Boat Trip); Problems (Jubilee Boat Trip).
Self
They have raged on for forty years, cutting a swath across continents and lighting the fuse of revolutionary thought. From the pressure-cooker ghettos of England to the mighty gates of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, one band has forged an enduring legacy. This is their story.
This is a wee treat: Johnny Rotten gives a guided tour of London, circa 2009. Full of his usual face-gurning, straightforward honesty and acerbic wit, Mr. Rotten explains his love of London is more to do with its people than the city itself. He also expresses his concern that London, like the the rest of the country is slowly doomed.
