Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones discussed his plans to face his former bandmate John Lydon at Riot Fest. Lydon will also perform at the festival with his band Public Image Ltd. Jones explained that he plans to shake Lydon’s hand if the singer is willing. This offer comes despite Lydon recently calling the current Sex Pistols lineup a “karaoke band” in a separate interview about sharing the festival bill.
Steve Jones: “I’ll shake his hand if he wants to. I mean, I’m totally aware that we’re on the same bill. I don’t know if we’re on the same day.”
“But I’ve got no animosity towards Johnny. You know, I’ve always admired him. He was fantastic in the day.”
“And, he’s lost his best friend. He lost his wife, and he’s out there. He’s out there trying to get by, he’s out there doing shows, and I think he’s doing the right thing. And I’ve got nothing to say about it.”
“If we run into each other, so be it. I’ll shake his hand if he wants to but I don’t know where his head’s at. I’m just happy he’s out there doing something.”
John Lydon recently said about being on the same bill as Sex Pistols at Riot Fest: “Well, it’s fantastic isn’t it? I’m going to be serenaded by a karaoke band the night before I properly play! Who could ask for anything more?! There’s no other way of looking at it.”
“The promoter was very fair. He said there was a possibility of them being on the bill. I’m not going to shove anybody off work. Sorry. Whatever our arguments between ourselves, they shouldn’t get in the way of that, you know? You can watch the half-hearted imitation of me. And, then, when you’ve recovered from that, you get the real deal! (Laughing) God bless them. Do they know what they’ve walked into? Said the spider to the fly. Should be a riot.”
The upcoming festival appearance highlights the deep-seated tensions that have defined the relationship between the former bandmates for decades. Jones is offering a gesture of peace. However, the history of conflict between the two musicians remains a significant part of their legacy.
The feud between Jones and Lydon hardened during a legal dispute over the 2022 miniseries Pistol. The show was based on Jones’ memoir. It used Sex Pistols songs under a majority-rule agreement. A judge later ruled that the agreement was valid. The band’s music could be used over Lydon’s objection.
The current Sex Pistols lineup features Jones, Paul Cook, and Glen Matlock with Frank Carter on vocals. This setup gives the band a fresh frontman in place of Lydon. Jones has not spoken to Lydon since 2008. This silence underscores how distant their relationship remains.
Nora Forster was Lydon’s wife since 1979. She died in April 2023 after living with Alzheimer’s disease for several years. Lydon had been her full-time caretaker when he was not touring with Public Image Ltd.
Lydon later said, “The loneliness kills me,” reflecting the emotional impact of her death. That loss has shaped the way he speaks about life and touring with Public Image Ltd. It adds another layer to the bitterness surrounding the public split of the Sex Pistols.
