- Kindle: 10309 KB
- Print: 573 pages
- Publisher: Dey Street Books; Reprint edition (April 28, 2015)
- ASIN: B00OP1K7LC
From the legendary frontman of the Sex Pistols, comes the complete, unvarnished story of his life in his own words.
John Lydon is an icon—one of the most recognizable and influential cultural figures of the last forty years. As Johnny Rotten, he was the lead singer of the Sex Pistols-the world’s most notorious band. The Pistols shot to fame in the mid-1970s with songs such as “Anarchy in the UK” and “God Save the Queen.” So incendiary was their impact at the time that in their native England, the Houses of Parliament questioned whether they violated the Traitors and Treasons Act, a crime that carries the death penalty to this day. The Pistols would inspire the formation of numerous other groundbreaking groups and Lydon would become the unlikely champion of a generation clamoring for change.
Following on the heels of the Pistols, Lydon formed Public Image Ltd (PiL), expressing an equally urgent impulse in his character: the constant need to reinvent himself, to keep moving. From their beginnings in 1978 PiL set the groundbreaking template for a band that continues to challenge and thrive to this day, while also recording one of the eighties most powerful anthems, “Rise.” Lydon also found time for making innovative dance records with the likes of Afrika Bambaataa and Leftfield. By the nineties he’d broadened his reach into other media while always maintaining his trademark invective and wit, most memorably hosting Rotten TV on VH1.
John Lydon remains a captivating and dynamic figure to this day—both as a musician, and, thanks to his outspoken, controversial, and from-the-hip opinions, as a cultural commentator. In Anger is an Energy, he looks back on a life full of incident, from his beginnings as a sickly child of immigrant Irish parents growing up in post-war London to his present status as a vibrant, alternative hero.
The book includes 70 black-and-white and color photos, many which are rare or never-before-seen.
John Lydon, best known as Johnny Rotten, was the front man to a 70's punk band, The Sex Pistols. He now fronts a post-punk band, Public Image Ltd.
REVIEW:
Interesting bio from an interesting man.
I feel like I sat down and had a conversation with Johnny Rotten about his life. I knew a bit about him, the bands he played in and even other things he has been up to. I feel like I know so much more now. Getting glimpses into the backstage part of the show, sort-to-speak.
What a story too! Being a fan I was completely enthralled throughout. Especially in those private moments where he talks about Sid, and Nancy too. I've always wondered about his point of view. Now I have it.
I do feel that he bounced around a lot when telling a story, I mean, if you have ever heard him talk then you probably get what I mean. He gets back to where he needs to be, but often gets sidetracked in the stories.
It's all good though, and fans, like me, will eat it up!
3/5
**Compensation may be earned from the links within the post. This copy was purchased. Opinions are owned by Freda's Voice.
Seems interesting. I don't do a lot of bios, but he is an intriguing guy.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
He does seem to have a sweet and eccentric side!
ReplyDelete