What was the stage name of Sex Pistols singer John Lydon?

The Sex Pistols singer John Lydon was known by the stage name Johnny Rotten. The name became one of punk rock’s most recognizable aliases during the band’s explosive rise in the mid-1970s.

Lydon joined the Sex Pistols as their lead vocalist while the band was helping define the confrontational London punk scene. His sneering delivery, unusual fashion and sharply provocative lyrics made him a central figure in the group’s public image. The nickname reportedly referred to the poor condition of his teeth: guitarist Steve Jones is often credited with calling him “rotten.”

The Sex Pistols were active from 1975 to 1978, although they later reunited for several tours. Their best-known recordings include “Anarchy in the U.K.” and “God Save the Queen,” songs associated with the anger and anti-establishment attitude of British punk.

After leaving the Sex Pistols, Lydon founded Public Image Ltd, usually abbreviated to PiL. He continued using his birth name professionally, while Johnny Rotten remained the identity most closely associated with his Sex Pistols years.