John Lydon says Sex Pistols are “special people with special needs” and he’ll “never forgive” them
John Lydon has declared that reconciliation with his former Sex Pistols bandmates is impossible, citing lasting damage from a 2021 legal dispute. The conflict began when Lydon attempted to block his band's music from being licensed for Danny Boyle's television series about the group, but lost the case and the show proceeded on Disney+ in 2022. Lydon expressed particular bitterness about the timing, saying the lawsuit coincided with his wife Nora's Alzheimer's diagnosis and that legal costs consumed money he could have used for her care.
The remaining Sex Pistols members—Steve Jones, Paul Cook, and Glen Matlock—have continued performing with Frank Carter as their vocalist for anniversary shows this winter. Matlock stated that Lydon's return is impossible and suggested both parties have moved on, whilst Lydon has focused on his band Public Image Ltd. Both sides have effectively closed the door on any future collaboration, with Lydon describing a reunion as being "in the minus infinities" and the other members showing no interest in reconciliation.
- John Lydon says he will never forgive Sex Pistols members after they sued him in 2021 over music licensing for a television series, which he lost
- The lawsuit occurred while his wife was dying of Alzheimer's; Lydon contends the legal costs diverted resources from her care
- Remaining members continue performing with Frank Carter as vocalist; both Lydon and the band have ruled out reunion