Following the release of a solo record in 1997, John took a sabbatical from his music career into other media, most memorably his own Rotten TV show for VH1 and as the most outrageous contestant ever on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! He then fronted the Megabugs series and one-off nature documentaries and even turned his hand to a series of much loved TV advertisements for Country Life butter. Lydon has remained a compelling and dynamic figure - both as a musician, and, thanks to his outspoken, controversial, yet always heartfelt and honest statements, as a cultural commentator. The book is a fresh and mature look back on a life full of incident from his beginnings as a sickly child of immigrant Irish parents who grew up in post-war London, to his present status as a vibrant, alternative national hero.
Following the release of a solo record in 1997, John took a sabbatical from his music career into other media, most memorably his own Rotten TV show for VH1 and as the most outrageous contestant ever on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! He then fronted the Megabugs series and one-off nature documentaries and even turned his hand to a series of much loved TV advertisements for Country Life butter. Lydon has remained a compelling and dynamic figure - both as a musician, and, thanks to his outspoken, controversial, yet always heartfelt and honest statements, as a cultural commentator. The book is a fresh and mature look back on a life full of incident from his beginnings as a sickly child of immigrant Irish parents who grew up in post-war London, to his present status as a vibrant, alternative national hero.
- ISBN:
- 9781471137204
- 9781471137204
- Category:
- Autobiography: arts & entertainment
- Publication Date:
- 01-10-2014
- Publisher:
- Simon & Schuster Ltd
- Country of origin:
- United Kingdom
- Pages:
- 544
- Dimensions (mm):
- 234x153mm
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Reviews
1 Review
'You look like a brussels sprout!". So said Johnny Rotten's dad right before kicking him out of the house.
I was born around the same time as punk so knew nothing of it and as a kid was only vaguely aware of the Sex Pistols, PiL and other such noisemakers. So now, here I am, arriving late (as usual) to the party and I feel like I am discovering music all over again!
Anger is an Energy is John Lydon (a.k.a Johnny Rotten's) second autobiography, Rotten: No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs, being the first. Having read both I have come to the conclusion that Mr Lydon is a bit of a nutter, but a delightful witty one with a genuine interest in other people and the way the world works (or doesn't work). Its too bad that there aren't more like him in the world brave enough to add colour, noise and energy in all sorts of glorious 'thrilling' ways.
Twenty years on from 'Rotten', in this book John looks back at his life (again) with relentless honesty and also perhaps a little more wisdom and maturity than the first time around. He may come across in parts as a bit arrogant and slightly paranoid but, so what? His kind of infamy does that I suppose.
Misadventures with 'the Johns' and Vivienne Westwood bondage pants were among the things which had me chuckling. At the other end of the scale there is his utter contempt for Malcolm, the shitstem, Malcolm, silly fake people in general, education standards and oh of course, Malcolm. Then there's the drugs, Shakespeare, disco, religion, police raids, aborted tours, Japan, endless frustrations with band members and the music 'industry', his love for Nora and the life they have built together and the pain of losing his parents and Sid.
Punk isn't dead and John Lydon hasn't sold his soul for butter or bugs. This is a man who is just out there, unique and true to himself and what he believes. If you ever get the feeling you've been cheated, John's story might help you see things differently with his distinctive voice and refreshing attitude. It may even inspire you to make a bit of noise of your own. Brussels sprout optional.
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