John Lydon, lead singer of the seminal British punk rock band The Sex Pistols while using the stage name Johnny Rotten, isn’t happy with critics of his upcoming show in Tel Aviv:
“I really resent the presumption that I’m going there to play to right-wing Nazi Jews. If Elvis-f-ing-Costello wants to pull out of a gig in Israel because he’s suddenly got this compassion for Palestinians, then good on him. But I have absolutely one rule, right? Until I see an Arab country, a Muslim country, with a democracy, I won’t understand how anyone can have a problem with how they’re treated.”
As Tim Blair said, “Hot-for-Palestine British leftists are furious, of course. Lydon began his career by offending fussy old monarchists, and now he’s found an even more hidebound and traditionalist bunch to upset.”
Rebel with a cause.
H/T: Tim Blair
This post was last modified on July 21, 2021
View Comments (12)
Well Johnny Rotten playing Israel is one thing, but Metallica is another. They hit Tel Aviv during their "Death Magnetic Tour", & they packed the Ramat Gan Stadium. Everyone had a good time. Also, tell me if you think Metallica gives a damn about some lameass pressure group saying they should not play Israel. They play for their fans, not some bleeding heart to feel good about themself. Protest what may be the biggest band in the world & see how far it gets you.
This is the story of Johnny Rotton , Who gives a sh*t about YOU , bloke !
I am surprised. I really don't know that much about him overall, but usually singers and such tend to be idiots, so good for him to speak his mind.
Yeah, KQ. So what if he got it kinda wrong on Indonesia. He's at least not towing the liberal line like most entertainers these days, and he is 99% correct.
Pack it up, Johnny, you were relevant about 30 years ago...
Indonesia = republic. "Although it is ...not an Islamic state, Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim-majority nation, with 86.1% of Indonesians declared Muslim according to the 2000 census."
Turkey is "secular" but please how real is that? Go to Turkey and see that the muslim religion is prevalent and even if Turks wants to say to the contrary that culture and religion is stronger than any attempts at secularization or democracy.
Honey don't deceive yourself, even though Indonesia doesn't necessarily condone Christian persecution within their borders, they aren't that efficient in preventing it or in protecting their Christian and minority citizens from the muslim majority.
What I am trying to say once a country goes Muslim it is very hard to have REAL freedoms (at least not for everyone who is not a muslim).
Let me finish that last sentence:
". . .once a country goes Muslim it is very hard to have REAL freedoms (at least not for everyone who is: not a muslim OR female OR gay OR wants to marry who they want OR wants to wear what they want OR doesn't want their organs mutilated OR wants to go to school OR doesn't want to live in a 5th century village OR changes their mind about their religion. . .)."
I know, the list is not complete...
Sorry J, Iran is a "republic" as well, but what's in a name?
I am happy to see(I already knew)that Johnny Rotten is still the same "up your's" guy he was back in the day. He is nobody's fool, & he speak his mind. His point is correct, & good for him.
Nice straw man argument danybhoy, but considering Indonesia scored a 6.4/10 in the Economist's Democracy Index 2 years ago (with Iran scoring a 2.9/10), was designated as "Free" by Freedom House in 2009, is a nation with a 93%+ voter turnout, and is generally seen as a stable democracy in SE Asia, I'd say that makes it a fairly good democracy for a majority Muslim nation.
Again, Rotten should stick with singing, as he obviously fails at critical thinking.
I guess 1 out of 48 countries isn't bad? What the hell was Rotten thinking when he spoke so foolishly...
/sarcasm
Rotten in 2012!
And why not? If we can elect a suspected Kenyan why not a Brit?
It sure beats Dumbo & Dumber in 2008.