Classic Albums: Sex Pistols - Never Mind the B*******
11:20 pm - 12:20 am, Friday, August 7 on Sky Arts (350)
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About this Broadcast
Sex Pistols - Never Mind the B*******
Season 1, Episode 15
The story behind the Sex Pistols' sole studio album, 1977's Never Mind the B*******, Here's the Sex Pistols. Featuring interviews with singer John Lydon and manager Malcolm McLaren
16x9
subtitles
Education/Science/Factual Topics
General
Music/Ballet/Dance
More Information
Did You Know..
John Lydon
(Contributor)
Born:
January 31, 1956
in
London
Best Known For:
Being Johnny Rotten.
Early-life:
John Joseph Lydon was born in London on 31 January, 1956, to Irish immigrant parents, he grew up on a council estate in Finsbury Park. At the age of seven, he suffered a serious bout of meningitis and was in and out of comas for almost a year. The condition left him with a curved spine and affected his memory and vision _ his famous stare is the result of his difficulties in focusing. After some extra tutoring from his mum, he went back to school, but was eventually expelled for anti-social behaviour. However, he returned to college and gained six O-Levels and two A-levels.
Career:
He worked alongside his dad on a building site and considered a career working with children until he was spotted walking down the Kings Road in a 'I hate Pink Floyd' T-shirt and recruited to audition for Malcolm McLaren and the fledgling Sex Pistols. He got the job of lead singer and was re-named Johnny Rotten because of the state of his teeth. The band gained a massive punk following, but also caused huge controversy. They released one album, Never Mind the B******s, before Lydon left the band in 1978. He subsquently formed Public Image Limited, who continued to record up until 1993. He continues to make solo records and occassionally reunites with the other Pistols.
Quote:
'Maybe I'm just a really bad comedian, but I thought Never Mind The B******s was hilarious from start to finish.'
Trivia:
Away from music, he's acted in the films Corrupt and The Independent, penned an autobiography and appeared on the reality show I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!
Malcolm McLaren
(Contributor)
Born:
January 22, 1946
in
London
Best Known For:
Being the brains behind the Sex Pistols.
Early-life:
Born to Pete McLaren and Emmy Isaacs in 1946, Malcolm was raised by his grandmother in Stoke Newington, London. He was taught at home until 1955. Later, he eventually sought work, before attending various art colleges throughout the 1960s. Although expelled from several, he was a bright pupil and used his expertise to set up his first boutique in 1971, Let it Rock, with partner Vivienne Westwood.
Career:
Managed the New York Dolls after seeing them play in America, but after they split turned his attentions to London band the Strand, who were soon to become the Sex Pistols. With their songs and his styling, he got them a major record deal, and before long the studded dog collars and ripped clothing he had designed caught on and the punk movement was born. They were one of the most controversial bands the UK has ever produced, and their influence is still felt today. When they split in 1978, he launched his own music career, managed Adam and the Ants, dabbled in film and even toyed with the idea of becoming Mayor of London. He died in a Swiss hospital on April 8, 2010 at the age of 64.
Quote:
'Rock and roll doesn't necessarily mean a band. It doesn't mean a singer, and it doesn't mean a lyric, really. It's that question of trying to be immortal.'
Trivia:
Was once married to fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.
