John Lydon speaks about receiving BMI award

An emotional John Lydon has spoken about what it means to him to be honoured as a songwriter by US music rights organisation BMI.

The former Sex Pistol and founder of Public Image Limited will be recognised at BMI’s annual London awards dinner on Tuesday night (October 15) with the Icon Award.  It is given to songwriters, which the organisation says have had “a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers”. Previous recipients include Ray Davies, Steve Winwood, Don Black, Bryan Ferry and Van Morrison.

At a press launch for the event Lydon said BMI had recognised that he had “done something that matters to my family, my culture, my world”.

“I know you lot mean this,” he added. “It’s kind of important at this point in my life and the struggles I’ve had to endure with the record company hindrance and the financial ruin and problems they put me through and trying to get Public Image back together again and delivering I hope you agree probably the best work I’ve done. It’s really poignant. I needed someone to go, “Well done John.’”

BMI president Del Bryant told Lydon his organisation was proud he was allowing it to recognise him as a songwriter, noting: “From here, whether it’s The Clash or The Smiths or in the US whether it was Red Hot Chili Peppers or Guns N’ Roses or Nirvana –  and Kurt Cobain said he liked you the best because you were the sensitive one – so many people have been influenced by you across the sea, where you come from and across the world and we are so proud to present this award.”

Source: Music Week