Meta Description: Discover why John Lydon, former Sex Pistols frontman, praises Lady Gaga. Explore his thoughts on her pop genius and songwriting prowess.
John Lydon Praises Lady Gaga: A Rare Admiration from the Sex Pistols Icon
John Lydon, famously known as Johnny Rotten from the Sex Pistols, adopted his notorious moniker in the 1970s. The former frontman, who later ventured into post-punk, has consistently lived up to his name by harshly criticizing many of his contemporaries and mentors. However, in a surprising turn of events, John Lydon praises Lady Gaga, one of the few artists to earn his admiration.
John Lydon’s Harsh Criticisms and Unexpected Praise
Over the years, Lydon has expressed his contempt for some of the most prestigious names in the industry. He has voiced his distaste for synth-poppers Depeche Mode, criticized The Clash frontman Joe Strummer for his champagne socialism, and even implied that the Rolling Stones were a group of incompetent hypocrites. Yet, Lady Gaga stands out as an exception to Lydon’s usual ire.
In an interview with Absolute Radio, the former Sex Pistol had nothing but positive things to say about the “Bad Romance” singer. Instead of his usual disparaging remarks, Lydon called Gaga “fantastic.”
John Lydon Praises Lady Gaga’s Songwriting Genius
Lydon was especially appreciative of Gaga’s pop songwriting prowess. He exclaimed, “The songwriting is really good, really good. It’s well-written, intelligent, and it leaves a lot of room for wisdom.” Undoubtedly, Gaga is among the finest pop songwriters of her era, crafting tunes that are both catchy and creatively engaging.
In the late 2000s and early 2010s, Gaga released hit after hit, including the self-indulgent “Applause” and her iconic collaboration with Beyoncé, “Just Dance.” Each new song she released was a creative endeavor, bringing her enormous commercial success and quick notoriety.
Gaga’s Impact and John Lydon’s Admiration
Gaga’s songs delved into themes of identity, religion, and celebrity as well as sex. Her choruses were catchy, but the songs were also well-written. Gaga improved her artistry on stages and red carpets with every new song, establishing a persona to complement her music. Iconic outfits like raw meat dresses and red-hooded bodysuits solidified her place as an avant-garde pop star.
Along the way, she gained Lydon’s respect, particularly with her 2009 single “Paparazzi.” The song epitomized Gaga’s pop genius with gentle vocal delivery offset by ominous synths, and lyrics that told a story of celebrity and harassment. “Papa, paparazzi,” she sang, “I’m your biggest fan, I’ll follow you until you love me.”
Lydon called the song “genius,” and it’s difficult to disagree. Even fifteen years after its initial release, “Paparazzi” remains a pop classic, sounding as catchy and polished as it did in 2009. It ventures into themes of stardom and celebrity with a level of self-awareness. Although Gaga lives in that world, she also chooses to examine and assess it with her work.
Conclusion
While most musicians can only hope to avoid Lydon’s unwavering animosity, Lady Gaga has managed to earn favor with the Sex Pistols singer. John Lydon praises Lady Gaga for her audacious yet light-hearted approach to pop, proving that even the harshest critics
can recognize true talent.
