Johnny Rotten, the legendary lead singer of the 1970’s punk band The Sex Pistols, has teased fans about his involvement with the Irish entry to the Eurovision Song Contest 2018.

In a radio interview on the Paul McLoone Show on Today FM, McLoone questioned Johnny Rotten (born John Lydon) about the rumours circulating around his participation for Ireland at the competition… and he didn’t deny anything!

McLoone asked:

There’s rumours floating around that you’re in line to step in and provide Ireland with its next Eurovision winner. That can’t be true, right?

Lydon laughs and then replies; “As rumours go, that’s a beaut!”

He then elaborated, adding to the mystery by saying:

Nothing’s been signed. Just like the Bible, Jesus has yet to put His signature to it. So it’s a rumour. But as rumours go, I’m fully qualified, aren’t I? As an American-English-Irishman. Perfect! Well travelled, well seasoned, up and at it, ready!

All about Johnny Rotten

Going by his stage name, Johnny Rotten, Lydon was the frontman of the iconic punk band The Sex Pistols in the mid-1970s. The band only lasted for two and a half years, yet they are behind major punk hits from the decade.

Lydon then went on to form the band Public Image, and has since played with the reformed Sex Pistols in later years.

Lydon has remained a controversial and outspoken figure throughout most of his career, expressing his dismay at the social and political situation within the United Kingdom and beyond.

The former Sex Pistols member has remained in the spotlight across the globe, having appeared in many television shows and advertisements in the United Kingdom, the United States and even in Belgium.

Punk and Ireland in Eurovision

Although rock music is often featured at the Eurovision Song Contest, punk music has only really been seen once, in the form of the Finnish band PKN in 2015. They placed last in their semi-final.

Ireland were represented in 2017 by Brendan Murray and his song Dying to try – which couldn’t be further from anything Johnny Rotten has been involved in!

As of today, Ireland has made no official statements as to how they will chose their 2018 Eurovision act, however further details are expected to be released in the coming weeks following the closure of submissions to the Irish national broadcaster.

What are your thoughts on Johnny Rotten and the Eurovision possibilities? Could you imagine Lydon in Lisbon?