John Lydon has revealed that his former Sex Pistols bandmates did not contact him following the death of his wife, Nora Forster, in April 2023. In a recent interview, the punk icon expressed disappointment over the lack of outreach from Steve Jones, Glen Matlock, and Paul Cook. This comes amid ongoing tensions with the band over their recent tours.
John Lydon, known as Johnny Rotten during his Sex Pistols days, lost his wife Nora Forster after nearly five decades of marriage. Forster passed away in April 2023 following a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease, during which Lydon served as her full-time carer for the final two years of her life.
In an interview with The Times, Lydon stated that he received no messages from his former bandmates—guitarist Steve Jones, bassist Glen Matlock, or drummer Paul Cook—after her death. “I expected some kind of connection when Nora died, but nothing,” he said.
Lydon had previously spoken about how caring for Forster profoundly affected him. Shortly before her passing, he reflected: “All the things I thought were the ultimate agony seem preposterous now. It’s shaped me into what I am. I don’t think I’ll ever get over it. I don’t see how I can live without her. I wouldn’t want to. There’s no point.”
Relations between Lydon and his ex-bandmates have soured in recent years, particularly over the Sex Pistols' decision to tour without him, enlisting former Gallows frontman Frank Carter as vocalist. Lydon criticized the move harshly, calling it “almost malicious in its intent” and dismissing it as “karaoke.” He remarked: “It’s weird. [It’s] a dumbing down of all the integrity, intensity, genuine honesty and heartfelt emotions I put into that band.”
Despite his disapproval, Lydon acknowledged Carter’s approach: “Of course, it’s karaoke, but it’s like… Come on, Mr Carter, you’re not Johnny Rotten, I am. Right? Stop it. I actually think he took it on in the right spirit.”
The reformed lineup performed shows at London’s Bush Hall last year and has since toured the UK and internationally. In October, Matlock hinted at potential new music with Carter, saying: “Everyone has ideas, but we’re very busy at the moment and haven’t had a chance to really work things out.” Jones, earlier this year, was skeptical about fresh material, noting: “I think if you do anything new and you’re playing it live, that’s when people go and get a drink. When was the last time you heard a good Rolling Stones song? I think you really have a window when you’re young, where you’re really creative and you’re on the ball. When you’re older, I think it runs out. I could be wrong!”
Meanwhile, Lydon’s post-Pistols project, Public Image Ltd, is extending their ‘This Is Not The Last Tour’ across the UK.