John Lydon shares strong views on Tom Waits, Captain Beefheart and his own teeth

John Lydon has never been one to hold back from sharing his thoughts. Ever since Lydon was known as Johnny Rotten with the Sex Pistols, the world has not had to guess at what he was thinking. We might not have always loved what he said, but it is a bit refreshing to not have someone hide their true selves.

Earlier this year, Lydon went on a rant about how he was somewhat offended that many in the American press assume punk was formed in New York City. Lydon clearly believes the bones of punk were made in London, and he has a great point. While the Ramones are important, the Sex Pistols and the Clash along with many other groups likely more heavily influenced the music you love.

Recently, in an interview with Far Out Magazine, Lydon was asked about what kind of American he actually does like. The two performers he mentioned might surprise a person as well. Throw punk out but instead bring in Tom Waits and Capitan Beefheart. But really, doesn't Lydon liking Waits and Beefheart make even more sense?

Both Tom Waits and Captain Beefheart are true originals who found their own paths toward making music. Each uses a lot of different artists for inspiration but then mixes them all up and spits out music that is their own.

John Lydon loves two American artists but not his own teeth

Of Beefheart, the late Don Van Vliet, Lydon said, "...lyrics to die for? It’s just insanely entertaining. It showed me such an open mind to all of life’s possibilities, and it’s not narrow or insular or fashionable."

Of Waits, Lydon stated, "An expedition into the centre of the earth, this is the high jump record that’ll never be beat, it’s a merlot reduction sauce. He takes da bait. Dante doing the buck and wing at a Skip James suku jump. Drink once and thirst no more." Seems about right.

In more concerning news, John Lydon appears to have no idea that one must brush their teeth often. He's been without his own for years as he, well...didn't take care of them. But then years ago he got titanium implants. Now, due to his not taken care of them, Lydon told Channel 4 that he can only ingest soft food and liquids.

"(The titanium implants are) not what they’re cracked up to be. They forgot to mention to me you’re still supposed to brush your teeth," Lydon said.

So while Lydon has excellent and knowledgeable views about music, one might think he's a bit off when it comes to personal hygiene. Who needs to be told to brush their teeth, after all? I guess Lydon does.

More music news from AudioPhix