After this morning’s revelations about an alleged scuffle between Kele Okereke and John Lydon at a Spanish festival, the crazy eyed punk vet has finally provided a statement to the press.
In the short, sensitively constructed mail out Lydon denies his involvement in the racist assault by labelling Okereke a liar and someone in need of publicity.
“I feel very sorry for a man that needs to lie about what was a perfect evening.”
In the first public statement from Lydon’s camp about events on Saturday evening, the sex Pistols claims, “trouble was brought us, resulting in those causing the trouble being physically removed by festival security. If they need publicity so badly this is the allegation universe they run into.”
Using the punk-rock royal we he added, “After the show John Rotten and management remained behind to sign autographs, which we did for four solid hours without incident and had a great time talking to other Spanish bands, this seems to have sparked jealousy in certain bands.”
Lydon did however make one sole reference to the supposed racial accusations behind the incident, “We are in the middle of a wonderful tour, after 30 years we are achieving a true unity in our audience. They are multi-varied, all ages, all races, creeds and colours. When you are at a festival with bands who are jealous fools, lies and confusion usually follow.”
He then directs a comment directly at Okereke: “Grow up and learn to be a true man. It's a shame that the wonderful world of the media is riddled with nonsense like this.”
Bloc Party’s Kele Okereke is yet to release a media retort.
To have a look at last year’s Love Music Hate Racism roundtable debate featuring Kele Okereke click below:
This news story can be found on the Quietus with other pieces by Dean Samways.
Words: Dean Samways
Image: the Quietus
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