Sex Pistols star John Lydon says 'the pain will never go away' after family death

Edinburgh Live

21-05-2025

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Sex Pistols legend John Lydon has opened up about the enduring pain following the loss of his wife Nora, confessing "the pain will never go away".
The punk rock pioneer, who shot to fame in the 70s as the Sex Pistols' provocative lead singer. He met Nora, a German publishing heiress, shortly after the band's initial split.
Despite their age difference, with Nora being fourteen years older, the pair formed an inseparable bond. In her final years, as she faced Alzheimer's disease, John devoted himself to caring for her full-time.
Nora died, aged 80 in 2023. While caring for his wife, John was in a legal battle with the remaining members of the Sex Pistols - guitarist Steve Jones and drummer Paul Cook - after he attempted to veto the use of the band's songs in a Disney+ series.
After losing the legal fight, John cut ties with his former bandmates. Steve and Paul however continued to perform with original bassist Glen Matlock and Gallows' Frank Carter stepping in for John, reports the Mirror US.
(Image: 2017 Brian Killian)
John has slammed the legal wrangle as "just disrespectful all round" and admits it's something he "won't forget". Despite his history of stirring controversy as Johnny Rotten, the passing of Nora saw fans rally around him with support.
Speaking to The Telegraph, he says he has "done my moping" and is now "very much raring to go". He knows he needs to get out of the house and is currently on tour with his band PiL - Public Image Ltd.
He is working on a new book and album and has rediscovered his passion for painting. But he still occasionally finds himself stopping to think about his much-loved wife.
"The pain will never go away," he told the Telegraph. "She died painfully, suffocating. They call it the death rattle."
(Image: Getty Images)
He vividly remembers the heart-wrenching moment when doctors questioned whether they should cease life-prolonging efforts. He reflects: "I couldn't say 'yes, stop.' No. I fought for her life as hard as she fought for it. And now I'm on the other side."
Despite experiencing a phase of anger, he believes this prevented him from becoming a "sympathetic doddering old idiot". The God Save the Queen singer confesses to having "no regrets" about how he's lived.
Nora's passing has altered John's perspective on his own mortality at 69, stating that the thought of death "no longer terrifies" him. He does though say he "misses her like mad" and reveals he sleeps with Nora's ashes by his side.
In recent times, John has surprisingly found favour with conservative media circles, puzzling many long-time Sex Pistols fans. He clarifies that his stance isn't black and white, expressing disdain for all politicians.
Although he's shown support for former US President Donald Trump, he's critical of him too, labelling Trump as a "wrecking ball" and dubbing him "the Orange Bad Man".