John Lydon broke down on Tuesday’s This Morning because of his Alzheimer’s-stricken wife Nora Forster – shortly after he awkwardly slammed Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield for his introduction to the daytime show.
The Irish-British punk rocker, 66 – best known by his stage name Johnny Rotten – spoke about his new song ‘Hawaii’, which is dedicated to Nora.
The Sex Pistols singer married the German publishing heiress, 80, in 1979 and first revealed his wife’s devastating diagnosis in 2018.
Hart: John Lydon broke down in tears while speaking about the care of his wife Nora Forster, who has Alzheimer’s, on Tuesday morning
Speaking on the daytime show, he spoke about having to watch his wife suffer and the song he wrote afterwards.
He said: “It took me four years to write the lyrics. Alzheimer’s is a huge problem, it’s incurable right now and I’m struggling to find and maintain a relationship with Nora and I.
“The song tells you not to ask many questions and to be happy for them. It is a love song with great tragedy and the message that love conquers all.
Couple: The singer married the German publishing heiress, 80, in 1979 and first revealed his wife’s devastating diagnosis in 2018 (pictured in 2013)
“Music is fantastic, it organizes your brain!”
Reflecting on their romance, he added, “At this point in our lives, we imagined doing nothing.
“That’s not the case anymore, she needs 24 hour attention and I don’t mind now because of the amazing life she gave me.”
The conversation about his wife came after he had an awkward moment with Holly and Phil when he was introduced to the show.
Plan: The Irish-British punk rocker, 66 – best known by his stage name Johnny Rotten – spoke about his new song ‘Hawaii’, which is dedicated to Nora
When the presenters introduced the punk rocker as “John” and with a montage of his career highlights from the Sex Pistols, he snapped, “Johnny!” and then slammed them for introducing her.
He then said awkwardly, “Let me say your performance was a bit crappy,” to which Phil replied, “We couldn’t fit everything, so we thought it better to come to you.”
Johnny then said, “Well it would have been better if you had started at the top and ended at the bottom!”
Phil broke the tension and said with a smile, “Do your intro, how would you like to be introduced?” and Johnny paused before finally laughing and saying, “Oh, Superstar.”
He added: “You know you are absolutely right. I’ve never accepted titles anyway, so whatever.’
The star recently revealed that his Eurovision bid song, which represents Ireland, is dedicated to his partner.
He hopes to win the spot in the 2023 competition, titled Hawaii, along with his band Public Image Ltd.
Opening the song, he recently said on GMB: “This is the beginning of a new journey. Strangely, as bad as Alzheimer’s is, there are great moments of tenderness between us.
“I try to capture that in the song. It’s not all waiting for the Grim Reaper. I can see the personality in her eyes that lets me know.
“Your communication skills are failing you. I’m just blessed to be able to be there and hear that and share something useful with others.
Sad: He said, “It took me four years to write the lyrics. Alzheimer’s is a huge problem, it’s incurable right now and I’m struggling to find and maintain a relationship with Nora and I.
“I’m taking care of all his victims now. Especially spouses who have to put up with it. What you have to do is fight.”
John’s Track of Choice Hawaii is filled with emotion for him as he reflects on the relationship he has shared with his wife for over 40 years.
Speaking to The Sun recently, John looked at the lyrics that read “Remember me, I remember you” and was overcome by the sadness of the illness.
“We once had a great vacation in Hawaii after a tour and it was just the greatest week of our lives.
“Now her memories are fading, I wanted to bring something like that back to her. I leave just thinking about it.’
Originally formed in 1978 but later discontinued; John is now joined by punk bandmates Lu Edmonds, Scott Firth and Bruce Smith.
Announcing the news on Twitter, the band said they will be kicking off with a previously unheard song dedicated to John’s wife Nora entitled Hawaii.
Opportunity: The Irish-British punk rocker is set to compete in the 2023 competition alongside his band Public Image Ltd (pictured in 2022)
Adding context to her song choices, John said, “It’s dedicated to everyone who’s going through tough times on life’s journey with the person they care about most.
“It’s also a message of hope that love will eventually conquer all.”
John rose to fame in the ’70s with The Sex Pistols alongside guitarist Steve Jones, drummer Paul Cook and bassist Glen Matlock. Matlock was replaced by Sid Vicious in early 1977.
Lydon was the lead singer from 1975 to 1978 and later led the band on various revivals in the 1990s and 2000s.
Punk pioneers: (LR) John, Sid Vicious, Steve Jones and Paul Cook of The Sex Pistols during their recent tour