EXCLUSIVE: World's Most Bitter Rock Feud Explodes As One of the Planet's Most Outrageous Rockers Lashes Out at 'Callous' Bandmates
John Lydon is seething over how he's been treated by his bandmates.
Jan. 2 2026, Published 7:30 p.m. ET
John Lydon has reignited what sources told RadarOnline.com has become one of the planet's fiercest rock music's most enduring feuds by accusing his former Sex Pistols bandmates of cutting him off entirely after the death of his wife, a silence he has described as both hurtful and revealing.
The punk frontman, 69, who rose to fame as Johnny Rotten in the late 1970s, said Pistols guitarist Steve Jones and bassist Glen Matlock, along with drummer Paul Cook, failed to contact him following the death of his wife Nora Forster, who died aged 80 in April 2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
'John Felt Abandoned'
John Lydon (not in photo) accused his former bandmates of cutting him off after his wife’s death.
Lydon had been Forster's full-time carer during the final two years of her life. He raged: "I expected some kind of connection when Nora died, but nothing."
Sources close to the singer said the lack of contact deepened an already fractured relationship that has deteriorated further since the band resumed touring without him.
One longtime associate claimed: "John felt abandoned at the lowest point of his life and feels his former bandmates have been totally callous. Whatever history they share, he thought basic human decency would prevail."
John Lydon Won't 'Ever Get Over' Wife's Death
Lydon said the silence from the Sex Pistols deeply hurt him.
Another source familiar with the situation added, "This wasn't about business or music. For John, it was personal, and the silence confirmed how far apart they really are. The rivalry between the Pistols is now one of the world's most bitter and fiercest rock feuds."
Lydon has previously spoken openly about the toll of caring for Forster and the way her illness reshaped his outlook.
Shortly before her death, he described the experience in stark terms, saying: "All the things I thought were the ultimate agony seem preposterous now."
He added, "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."
Pistols Reunion Without John Lydon Fuels Rift
Steve Jones, Glen Matlock, and Paul Cook have failed to contact him, Lydon said.
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Relations between Lydon and his former bandmates have remained tense for years, but the rift widened after the Pistols returned to the stage with Frank Carter, replacing Lydon on vocals.
Lydon has repeatedly dismissed the reunion as hollow and disrespectful to the band's legacy.
"It's almost malicious in its intent," he sneered last year.
"And it's karaoke that's all it will ever be." He went on to criticize the group's failure to produce new material, adding: "Bloody hell, The Three Stooges in that band have had how many years to write some new songs? That's what I'd like to hear."
Lydon has dismissed the reunion shows as hollow 'karaoke.'
In later comments, he accused the lineup of diluting what the Pistols once stood for.
"It's weird," he said. "(It's) a dumbing down of all the integrity, intensity, genuine honesty and heartfelt emotions I put into that band."
Lydon reserved particular scorn for comparisons between himself and the new frontman, adding: "Of course, it's karaoke, but it's like come on, Mr. Carter, you're not Johnny Rotten, I am. Right? Stop it."
He did, however, acknowledge Carter's rock attitude, saying: "I actually think he took it on in the right spirit."
The Pistols and Carter played a run of shows at London's Bush Hall last year before touring more widely across the U.K. and overseas.
Meanwhile, Lydon continues to tour with his post-Pistols band Public Image Ltd., as the bitterness surrounding his former band shows no sign of easing.
