Bloc Party vs. Sex Pistols: Round One
It looks as if the Sex Pistols have no intentions of passing the torch to the next generation of British musicians, especially those making up Bloc Party. In fact, after the events of last weekend’s Summercase Festival in Spain, the two bands likely won’t be sharing the mic anytime soon, well that is, unless you count court.
According to Gigwise, Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke claims he was the victim of a racial attack by a group of individuals “associated to Sex Pistols frontman Johnny Lydon.”
Okereke says he was left with facial injuries, including severe bruising, following a scuffle which began after he asked Lydon if he would consider reforming Public Image Ltd.
In a statement, he said Lydon responded in an “intimidating and aggressive” manner to his question, “while his entourage responded with a racist tirade including the statement, ‘Your problem is your black attitude’.”
The incident was broken up after members of the Foals and Kaiser Chief’s stepped in.
Bloc Party’s full press release regarding the incident can be found at Devil in the Distance. Neither Lydon, nor the Sex Pistols have yet to issue a statement.
In the meantime, Bloc Party are busy preparing for a new studio album (w/ first single) and a North American tour, which will begin next week. The Sex Pistols are also recording in between a number of their currently scheduled European tour dates.
Bloc Party 2008 North American Tour Dates:
07/28 - Pomona, CA @ Glass House*
07/29 - Los Angeles, CA @ Mayan Theatre*
07/30 - San Francisco, CA @ Fillmore*
08/01 - Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza
08/02 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
08/05 - Philadelphia, PA @ Fillmore at Theatre of Living Arts*
08/06 - New York, NY @ Webster Hall*
08/07 - New York, NY @ Webster Hall*
08/09 - Baltimore, MD @ Virgin Mobile Festival
* = w/ Does It Offend You, Yeah?
Tickets for select shows are currently on sale via ticketmaster.com.
Good post, cheers
I don’t understand how Okereke’s comments were disparaging towards Lydon? Can someone explain? Wasn’t Public Image ltd. regarded as post-punk pioneers? If I were Lydon I would regard it as a compliment seeing as Lydon on considers the group on hiatus. What a NUTJOB!
who would’ve thought that johny rotten would be such an asshole? he always seemed so nice and well spoken.