Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd frontman John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) is being honored with the 2013 BMI Icon Award for his work as a songwriter.
The BMI Icon honor is given to songwriters who have had “a unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Lydon joins an elite list of past honorees that includes 2011 recipient Queen, as well as Ray Davies, Steve Winwood, Van Morrison, Donovan, Don Black and Bryan Ferry, among others.
“John Lydon is a true icon whose influence on music, fashion and art has been felt around the world,” said Del Bryant, BMI President and Chief Executive Officer. “We are very pleased to recognize his impact on popular culture and his outstanding musical contributions with the BMI Icon Award.”
Lydon helped initiate the punk movement in the U.K. in the mid 1970s with the Sex Pistols and later led the post-punk and experimental charge with Public Image Ltd (PiL). He was also responsible for a brand new cultural shift in British society at that time through fashion, visual arts and performance, sparking controversy and conversation that still resonates today.
As frontman of the Sex Pistols, Lydon penned singles including “Anarchy in the UK,” “God Save the Queen,” “Pretty Vacant,” and “Holidays in the Sun,” taken from the band’s only album, 1977’s “Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols.” Lydon left the Pistols in 1978 to form his own band, Public Image Ltd, which produced eight studio albums and a host of singles including “Public Image,” “Death Disco,” “This Is Not A Love Song,” “Rise” and “Warrior,” which consistently hit the U.K. Top 40 and inspired countless musicians, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Massive Attack. Lydon and Public Image Ltd also released their first album in 20 years in 2012, “This Is PiL.”
Lydon will receive his honor the BMI London Awards, set for Tuesday, October 15 at London’s Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane.
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