The evolution of Johnny Rotten

Public Image Ltd. created post-punk in their rejection of the late '70s punk scene. It's no secret that Malcolm McLaren, the Sex Pistols' manager, heavily controlled the band's image, music and membership. And although John Lydon was chosen as the Sex Pistols' singer based on his fashion sense and attitude, he soon tired of playing "Johnny Rotten," the persona he'd adopted and had soon become beholden to. Lydon was forced to play the part of the sneering punk, the

Public Image Ltd. created post-punk in their rejection of the late '70s punk scene. It's no secret that Malcolm McLaren, the Sex Pistols' manager, heavily controlled the band's image, music and membership. And although John Lydon was chosen as the Sex Pistols' singer based on his fashion sense and attitude, he soon tired of playing "Johnny Rotten," the persona he'd adopted and had soon become beholden to. Lydon was forced to play the part of the sneering punk, the nihilist who wants to destroy…