Bloc Party Singer Allegedly Beaten and Racially Abused by Johnny Rotten and His Posse
What happens when you ask legendary Sex Pistols singer John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) to reform one of his past projects? If you are Bloc Party singer Kele Okereke, the answer is get attacked by the singer and his crew!
The band released a statement regarding the incident, which took place last Saturday night at Barcelona's Summercase Festival, and it suggests that Lydon's crew verbally assaulted and beat the Bloc Party singer:
"The Sex Pistols were socializing backstage with an array of British bands, many of whom witnessed the attack. Kele, a huge fan of Lydon's approached the singer to ask if he would ever consider reforming one of his favourite bands, Public Image Ltd. The Sex Pistols singer became intimidating and aggressive while his entourage responded with a racist tirade including the statement, 'your problem is your black attitude.' Kele was then set upon by 3 members of Lydon's crew who punched him in the face and head as well as attacking people who tried to protect Kele from the assault including Yannis Philippakis from The Foals and Kaiser Chief's Ricky Wilson. The incident was broken up by festival security and was later reported to Spanish police. Kele also reported the incident to police in the U.K. after returning from Spain."
According to Alt Press, Lydon, known for his outrageous behavior, has retaliated with this simple response: "I feel very sorry for a man that needs to lie about what was a perfect evening. Trouble was brought us, resulting in those causing the trouble being physically removed by festival security."
There is no word on if Okereke will press charges against Lydon and his crew for the alleged racial remark and attack. Imagine if your favorite musician attacked you. Would you still support the band or would you hate them forever? Discuss in the comments.
The band released a statement regarding the incident, which took place last Saturday night at Barcelona's Summercase Festival, and it suggests that Lydon's crew verbally assaulted and beat the Bloc Party singer:
"The Sex Pistols were socializing backstage with an array of British bands, many of whom witnessed the attack. Kele, a huge fan of Lydon's approached the singer to ask if he would ever consider reforming one of his favourite bands, Public Image Ltd. The Sex Pistols singer became intimidating and aggressive while his entourage responded with a racist tirade including the statement, 'your problem is your black attitude.' Kele was then set upon by 3 members of Lydon's crew who punched him in the face and head as well as attacking people who tried to protect Kele from the assault including Yannis Philippakis from The Foals and Kaiser Chief's Ricky Wilson. The incident was broken up by festival security and was later reported to Spanish police. Kele also reported the incident to police in the U.K. after returning from Spain."
According to Alt Press, Lydon, known for his outrageous behavior, has retaliated with this simple response: "I feel very sorry for a man that needs to lie about what was a perfect evening. Trouble was brought us, resulting in those causing the trouble being physically removed by festival security."
There is no word on if Okereke will press charges against Lydon and his crew for the alleged racial remark and attack. Imagine if your favorite musician attacked you. Would you still support the band or would you hate them forever? Discuss in the comments.
| Posted by djrossstar on 07/24/2008 11:10 AM | Visits: 111 |
I definately wouldn't listen to any band who betrayed their fans and their peers as such.