John Lydon Reflects on His Journey, Finances, and Early Career

John Lydon, who gained fame as Johnny Rotten, is 69 years old and was the iconic frontman of the Sex Pistols from 1975 to 1978. During this period, the band made a significant impact on the music scene with seven singles and four albums breaking into the UK Top 10, including their legendary No. 1 album, Never Mind the Bollocks.

After the Sex Pistols, Lydon led Public Image Ltd (PiL), contributing seven singles and eight albums to the UK Top 40. His presence has extended to various television formats across the UK, Europe, and the USA, featuring in shows like the 2018 PiL documentary The Public Image Is Rotten, and programs like John Lydon’s Shark Attack and John Lydon Goes Ape, plus the film Order of Death, co-starring Harvey Keitel. Additionally, he’s hosted radio shows including Rotten Day and Rotten Radio. He currently resides in Los Angeles.

Cash Preferences and Concerns

Talking about his finances, Lydon shared, “I’ve got £1,000 for returning to England and $300. They’re pushing for a cashless society in LA by the 2028 Olympics, which is quite frustrating. The same trend is appearing in pubs in England, and I believe this is restricting our currency use. I prefer cash because it allows us to maintain privacy in our transactions. If a pub in London says, ‘card only,’ I’m simply not interested anymore; it feels like a way to drive up costs with card fees.”

Experiences with Banking

When asked about credit cards, Lydon expressed a preference for avoiding Barclays due to a significant legal battle with the Pistols that left him financially drained. He noted, “That money would have supported my late wife, Nora, during her illness. The legal proceedings were expensive and ultimately required me to pay costs I wasn’t prepared for, forcing me to take on speaking engagements to cover those expenses.”

Early Employment

Reflecting on his first job, Lydon recalled delivering newspapers but also mentioned running a minicab service at the age of ten. Despite being young and still recovering from meningitis, he managed to handle phone bookings competently. He remarked, “I was quite good at it, even while being the ‘ill one’ in the area. It gave me a sense of accomplishment.”

Spending Habits

Lydon characterized himself as a spender, admitting to a past habit of overspending – noting he once spent £10,000 on various apps. He mentioned, “There’s a kid in me that wants to recapture lost childhood joy. I prefer inexpensive thrills now, and my recent purchases have been a collection of six Doris Day CDs and exploring big band music, which I find delightful.”

Financial Background

On whether he is better off than his parents, Lydon stated that he owes his achievements to the solid working-class values imparted by them. He described their struggles as Irish immigrants and how money was always tight, living in cramped conditions without luxuries. Such experiences have shaped his perspective on wealth and gratitude.

Financial Struggles

Lydon shared his difficulties during a legal fight, which made it challenging to manage finances as costs mounted quickly. His speaking tour the previous year not only helped financially but also fostered valuable connections with fans, many of whom shared their experiences with him.

Notable Work

When discussing his most lucrative gig, Lydon highlighted his work for a Country Life butter campaign, which helped him pay off debts to major record companies. He also mentioned earnings from reality television, most of which he donated to charity.

Property Ownership

Regarding property, Lydon owns three houses: one in London for touring and two in Los Angeles. He recently gifted one of the LA properties to his brother, commenting on the burden of maintaining so much space alone.

Business Decisions

Lydon considers forming Public Image Ltd as his best business decision, as it allowed him creative control and a chance to break free from the conventional music business model. He reflected on the challenges faced early on with financial backers like Virgin, which sometimes hindered artistic freedom and caused tension within the band.

Investment Reflection

Although Lydon struggles with business decisions and trust, he is clear on his personal beliefs surrounding wealth. He mentioned a lack of traditional investments, saying he’s skeptical of pension schemes given their unpredictability. “I just accept where I am with my life,” he concluded.

Lottery Thoughts

When asked about winning the lottery, he expressed uncertainty, indicating he’s content with his overall life earnings. “If I won, I suppose I could share it with family, but I’d rather keep things simple.”

Money Lessons

His experiences have taught him that some individuals will always seek more wealth, while holding onto what you have can be a challenge. Lydon noted, “It’s important to earn money in a way that feels right to you, without resorting to underhanded methods.”

Defining Wealth

Reflecting on personal wealth, Lydon mentioned he’s never felt wealthy. His life’s unpredictability often leads to financial challenges, and he finds humor in how people prioritize material possessions in Hollywood. “I collect quirky items, like metal tins shaped like buses, but I find joy in simple things, not lavish displays of wealth.”

Public Image Ltd has announced their UK and European tour beginning May 22. Additionally, John Lydon will embark on a solo UK and Ireland Q&A tour from September 4 to November 24.