Go Ahead Punk. Make My Day!

Remember that famous line from Clint Eastwood in one of his Dirty Harry films? ‘Go ahead Punk, make my day.’ I’m not sure if it was filmed before or after Punk music was around, but he certainly didn’t have the music in mind that day.
I don’t think I can recall anymore of the film than that scene with him bending over the victim as I recall in a shop doorway. Which brings me onto my favourite Punk and how he has made my day.

Sex Pistols
Most people remember Punk Rock and especially one group more than any other from that time, The Sex Pistols. I remember it well, although I can’t say I was a huge fan of the genre. Being of that age at the time, I thought parts of the 1970s, musically speaking, lost its way, especially after the 1960s and The Beatles, Rolling Stones etc. They were hard acts to follow. There was Glitter Rock, not my favourite at all, middle of the road stuff, The Osmonds, Bay City Rollers, no thanks and groups like TheThree Degrees who I thought were OK.

Bee Gees
Then it went all Bee Gees and disco dancing and big white suits, which I am guilty of owning and staining after the first time of wearing with a curry sauce from the local fish and chip shop. That was that. Then this Punk hit me. There seemed a flurry of bands who all turned up. playing their music to hoardes of crowds who bounced about the place like they all had ants in their pants. There
was plenty of safety pins, men with makeup and an awful lot of aggression. Being the same age as a lot of these Punk bands, I loved their seemingly rebel behaviour towards the establishment and I have to admit that I was drawn to the Sex Pistols. I’m not too sure why, but I think it was because of their singer (I know, that’s a moot point for some folks) Johnny Rotten aka John Lydon.

Johnny
We are both the same age and although we have led completely different lives, I have always kept an eye out for what he’s been up to as we grow older. Then, on Fathers Day this year, my youngest daughter gifted me with a book that was published around 10 years ago or so. ‘Anger Is An Energy’ by none other than the man himself, John Lydon. To be honest, it’s more of a Tome than a normal
book sized book. I have only finished reading it and what a story or rather stories Mr Lydon tells.

He Made My Day
Without doubt, he is a very intelligent guy, very loyal to his wife, who has sadly passed away since he published the book. We do get taken in by the press at times, they spin stories that aren’t true and cause all sorts of problems for one or two people. Not that anyone needs that pointing out. However, Mr Lydon has been through it all with them and come out smelling of roses. I’m truly impressed with his book and his life story to boot. An intelligent guy who continues to play music, get involved in acting and doesn’t give a Monkey’s bum what anyone thinks about him. Did you know he should have been on the tragic Lockerbie flight in the 1980s? Just one of the many stories to come to light in his book. I’m glad he went ahead with writing it, he certainly made my day.

The Book