Former Sex Pistols Frontman John Lydon Thinks The Rolling Stones ‘Should Retire’

John Lydon took an unexpected swipe at The Rolling Stones during an appearance on a British morning show Wednesday (May 7).

Appearing on the U.K.’s Good Morning Britain to promote his upcoming tour with Public Image Ltd., the former Sex Pistols frontman brought his fellow veteran rockers into the conversation while defending his own career longevity. “If I just sat back and retired, that’s just not me. I’m not that kind of person,” the artist formerly known as Johnny Rotten said before musing, “By all means, The Rolling Stones should retire.”

As the program’s hosts burst into laughter, Lydon couldn’t resist making another jab, saying, “I’m not short of a song idea or two, so there’s a difference.” However, quick to acknowledge his comments had the potential to cause a stir, he jokingly added, “Hold on, I’ve offended music lovers!” while screwing his face up into a cheeky scowl.

“I’m not sure that you’d worry about causing offense, would you?” host Charlotte Hawkins pressed, to which the 69-year-old firebrand replied, “Certainly not! I mean, to compare music lovers with The Rolling Stones is absurd!”

As the hosts tried to pivot to a different topic, Lydon laughed off his comments by making a giant pot-stirring motion and saying, “Give me a big spoon!”

Of course, the Stones last released new music with their 2023 album Hackney Diamonds, which was notable for serving as the band’s first full-length of original material in nearly two decades. The LP, which featured lead single “Angry” as well as Lady Gaga collab “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the Top Rock Albums chart. (It also topped the chart in the band’s native U.K. and eventually took home the Grammy for best rock album the following year.)

Meanwhile, Lydon and the rest of Public Image Ltd. also unveiled their eleventh studio set, End of World, in 2023, which bowed at No. 33 on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart.

Watch a clip of Lydon’s pot-stirring chat on Good Morning Britain below.