Its official, you can now add the mohawk headed punk rocker to the endangered species list. Last night we saw John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten of Sex Pistols infamy) perform with his band Public Image Ltd at The Hammerstein Ball Room, NYC.
The Hammerstein is an old ballroom with very high ceilings that has seen its better days just like John Lydon.
Lets get to the real matter, as Groucho Marx once said, “I don’t want to belong to any club that wants to have me as a member” it was kind of strange seeing most the audience members over 50 for a punk rock show, John included, with his blue blazer and tie looking very well upholstered. I barely noticed any young punks and I always thought that punk music was for the full piss and vinegar types and not the geriatric set.
The staging and lighting were excellent and John’s voice sounded the same and he gave up some angry yob stick by telling the securing guards to fuck off. His songs and the band were ok; but I think its time to put this chapter of punk behind us or at least until we get some fresh blood.
Punk is Dead! Long Live Punk!