Simon & Schuster buy rights for new John Lydon autobiography
February 14th 2014
Press Release:
Kerri Sharp at Simon & Schuster UK has secured World rights in a new autobiography by John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) in a hotly contested auction after meeting the star at a London hotel in November 2013. Cultural maverick Lydon, lead singer of the Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd (PiL), is known around the world for his outspoken opinions, unique appearance and lyrical creativity.
Sharp says: ‘John’s importance as a cultural icon cannot be overstated. Since the mid-1970s he has consistently inspired both musically and politically. My life changed when I saw the Sex Pistols in 1977 and to publish John’s book is a dream come true. This will be a lively, rock ‘n’ roll ripping yarn full of opinion and surprises whilst also being a thoughtful and mature look back at one of history’s most extraordinary lives.’
‘This book is basically about the life of a serious risk-taker,’ says Lydon. ‘I make things safe for other people to follow on in my wake. I’m a stand-up-and-be-counted fella – but that’s in a world where nobody seems to be able to count.’
Sharp bought World rights from Kevin Pocklington at Jenny Brown Associates. Lydon will be writing the book with British music journalist Andrew Perry and Simon & Schuster will publish the as yet untitled autobiography as a hardback in October 2014.