John Lydon, the singer of the Sex Pistols, has criticized the National Trust, asserting that they utilized tracks from the band on an upcoming album without authorization.
Better known as Johnny Rotten, the frontman expressed his loss of faith in the organization after they chose to include “Anarchy in the UK” and “Pretty Vacant” in a fundraising album named “Never Mind the Dovecotes.”
This album, released today, aims to generate funds for the conservation of the nation’s historic buildings, coastlines, and countryside, featuring songs from The Jam, X-Ray Spex, and The Fall.
The tracks stand in stark contrast to other collections curated by the National Trust, such as Celtic Collection and Classic Voices II.
However, tension appears to be escalating between Lydon, 55, and the Trust.
In a statement, Lydon remarked, “I wish I could trust the National Trust, but from now on, I cannot. In 2003, I was proud to partner with The National Trust and lend my voice to a radio advertisement for them.”
“Yet, there has been no communication with either myself or my management regarding this album. Never Mind The… Permission.”
“I’ve always believed that thievery originates from high places. What has become of the art of communication?”
“I remain uncertain about the motivations behind this situation. While my heart is genuine, this predicament feels quite sneaky, and we are awaiting clarity regarding these events—an explanation that better be substantial.”
The National Trust’s release of the punk tracks follows a collection curated by Jarvis Cocker, the frontman of Britpop band Pulp, which was assembled from natural sounds captured at over 10 of its locations.
Kevin Long, product manager at Decca Records and compiler of the punk album, stated, “The arrival of punk rock in British society during the late Seventies provoked skepticism and disdain from the Establishment. Today, the punk movement’s impact on British fashion and music is immeasurable.”
Phillippa Green, the National Trust’s brand licensing manager, noted, “Nearly half a million of the Trust’s members were ages 16 to 25 in 1977, marking the emergence of the British punk music scene.”
“More than 30 years later, many of those individuals now enjoy family outings at parks, beaches, and historic sites. This collection might allow them to reconnect with a bit of that youthful energy.”
In 2003, John Lydon, commonly known as Johnny Rotten, recorded a radio advertisement for the Trust on Classic FM, indicating his increasing support for their cause.
The Sex Pistols had their debut performance in 1975 after forming in Vivienne Westwood’s boutique, Sex, located on King’s Road.
They gained national fame after a profane outburst on television and by disrupting the Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977 with their single “God Save the Queen.”
by Wallace MvTavish