John Lydon is writing a novel.
The former Sex Pistols frontman, now 69, is pouring his energy into creativity after the heartbreaking loss of his wife Nora Forster, who died in April 2023 from Alzheimer’s at age 80.
After more than a year of grieving, Lydon has returned to the things that give him purpose, his music, painting, and now, fiction writing. He shared in an interview with Contact Music that this project has been on his mind for years.
“I am writing a book, of sorts,” Lydon said. “Of course it’s based on truth, but it’s a juxtaposition of the characters. I can’t just sit down and not do nothing, it’s not my way.”
He pokes fun at the public perception of him as inactive. “I’ve created a wonderful impression that I just sit around watching TV all day, which I can’t stand doing.”
Lydon, also known for leading Public Image Ltd, is diving back into painting too. It’s more than a hobby, it’s another creative outlet helping him process his emotions and reshape his life. He’s considering putting together an exhibition of his work.
“I love painting. There’s an enticement there that I start collecting my paintings and displaying them,” he explained. “I’ve used them in books in the past. There’s a whole bunch of new stuff that is very relevant to me. If there’s an audience for that then that’s well and fine. If there isn’t then I can wait. Even after death.”
His creative output comes during a time of personal change and reflection. In addition to losing Nora, Lydon also lost his best friend and manager, John “Rambo” Stevens, in December 2023.
As he adjusts to life without them, Lydon credits his fans for helping him stay grounded and appreciated.
“They’ve made me realise I’m a nice person, which is news to me,” he said. “From early youth I thought I was a nobody and I had no real self-respect. But through an audience, they’ve given me something I never noticed.”
Currently, he’s back on the road with Public Image Ltd. He also recently completed a one-man spoken word tour, which was a big step out of his comfort zone.
“I found great joy and glee doing the solo talking shows,” Lydon said. “The audience and me, just there alone, head in the guillotine, it was a very frightful affair, but it worked.”
He admits it helped him rediscover a part of himself he’d forgotten.
“I found out that I am naturally personable, oddly enough, and approachable. Great! The people that turned up for that did me no end of good and I love them to death for that.”
John Lydon may be rebuilding from loss, but he’s doing it through the raw, honest art that’s defined him since punk first exploded. His next chapter, a novel, might surprise people. But then again, he’s never been one to follow a script.
Visit the official Public Image Ltd website for tour dates and ticket info.
Mia Brooks dives deep into the beats and rhythms of the music industry, covering everything from chart-topping albums to underground artists. With a passion for discovering new talent and exploring the stories behind the songs, Mia keeps readers updated on all things music.
