Sex Pistols icon John Lydon has revealed his struggles since the passing of his wife Nora Foster in 2023 and the changes he’s had to make
Punk legend John Lydon has spoken about the challenges he has faced since the passing of his beloved wife Nora Foster.
Since Nora’s passing in April 2023 at the age of 80, after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018, John said that he has ‘wallowed in alcohol’ as he adjusts to being a widower. Speaking to Metro, John admitted that the death has adversely affected him, saying: “The truth of it is, I’m only half the person I was when she was alive.”
The 69-year-old singer, who made his name fronting the Sex Pistols in the 70s and being the figurehead of punk during that time, said that he has struggled to cope since Nora passed away. He added: “That’s definite, I can feel that hollowness.”
The singer is planning to go on tour with his band Public Image Ltd (PiL) as he “comes to grips” with life. On a positive note, John admits: “I’ve come out of wallowing in alcohol and sadness and self-pity. Which you can’t avoid, it just happens, it’s just in your nature.”
John spoke about the difference between his performances now compared to the early days of his career, when singer with the Sex Pistols: “In the very early days, I was not [disciplined] at all. I think nerves played a huge part in that.
“Being very shy — really — and just fearful of letting people down. I tried every kind of escapism, and I learned very quickly, it’s punishing to be standing up there as a sad sack drunk. I never want to go through that ever again.”
John, who tied the knot with Nora knot in 1979 has recalled the devastating moment he had to let Nora go and allow her to be free from her pain.
Speaking to Saga Magazine, he shared: “It was like half of me went with her. Her last day was really painful for her. She was very short of breath and uncomfortable and I knew the end was coming.
“It was awfully hard in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. Her heart stopped a few times and she was on respirators, being artificially kept alive. They said to me: ‘We really can’t do any more. Do we have your permission to stop?’ and God, what a question to have to answer.”
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