The least punk things John Lydon has ever said

They're about as anti-punk as you can get

On a recent episode of Good Morning Britain, Sex Pistols icon John Lydon branded US President Donald Trump “a possible friend” and labelled Nigel Farage “fantastic” – which is weird, when you consider the most famous photo of that pair has them standing in the least punk lift ever. In recent years he’s also talked down anarchy and talked up the Queen – but it’s not the first time he’s surprised us with a lack of frothing punk fury. Here’s a list of Johnny’s least Rotten quotes, straight from the horse’s mouth.

1
 

“I will sorely miss [Queen Elizabeth] as a human being on planet Earth. It is not her fault she was born into a gilded cage. Long may she live.” (The Quietus, 2017)

2
 

“I showed what I can do with butter, right? Eighty-five percent increase in sales. I’m very proud of them Country Life ads. They were funny and clever and classy.” (The Guardian, 2010)

3
 

“The real colour of my hair is mouse. I always want to be ginger, which I was when I was born, or blonde, because I live in L.A., and I want to look like I go surfing without any physical effort.” (The Guardian, 2011)

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4
 

“I love consumerism, TV culture, shopping malls. There’s nothing I’d ever buy, but I like being there. It’s wacky.” (People, 1994)

5
 

“Move to Italy. I mean it! They know about living… They’ve really got it sussed. Nice cars. Sharp suits. Great food. Stroll into work at ten. Lunch from twelve ’til three. Leave work at five. That’s living!” (The Guardian, 2010)

6
 

“One of the most beautiful things about Britain, apart from the NHS and the free education, is the British Army.” (The Independent, 2012)

7
 

“I picked up skiing in America, and I never looked back. I love American ski resorts… You can have fun all day long on the most excellent mountains.” (New York Post, 2010)

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8
 

“I’m now American, and I’m proud to be American. I’ve been John Lydon, I’ve been Johnny Rotten. Now, I’m Donut Bump.” (Conan, 2017)

9
 

“Ah, I love [disco] yeah, but of course. I love a good dance, my God.’ (Quietus, 2014)

10
 

“And, by the way, I never preached anarchy. It was just a novelty in a song. I always thought anarchy was a mind game for the middle classes, really. Impractical.” (The Guardian, 2014)

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