Johnny rotten Quote by Motorhead
![“If you hadn't seen what we looked like, you would have thought we were a punk band. I remember going down to the [London club] Roxy one night just to see what the punk thing was all about. I was standing at the bar, and this bush behind me said, "I used to sell acid at [Hawkwind's] all-night shows…” quote by Motorhead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/b91/motorhead-17753_long-hair_if-you-hadn-t-seen-what-we-looked-like-y_1507261.jpg)
“If you hadn't seen what we looked like, you would have thought we were a punk band. I remember going down to the [London club] Roxy one night just to see what the punk thing was all about. I was standing at the bar, and this bush behind me said, "I used to sell acid at [Hawkwind's] all-night shows in King's Cross." And I turned around and it was Johnny Rotten. I remembered him: He used to have long hair, with pockets full of drugs. It's funny, though -- I never liked the Clash. They sounded like old music, dressed up as punk. The Ramones were geniuses, though. Joey especially had a nose for rock'n'roll, and we were friends, although we weren't close when he died. I hate to see people on the way out; I prefer to remember him as he was.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: 1995 interview with Motorhead, published in Rolling Stone
Seeing a famous punk icon in a mundane setting reveals how fame and subculture intersect unexpectedly.
In simple terms: Unexpected encounters with icons happen.
Key Takeaway
Stay open to surprising connections.
Themes
culture
celebrity
music history
Mood
nostalgic
reflective
Type
musical
cultural
When to use this quote
- concert experiences
- music journalism
- personal anecdotes
Key Concepts
subculture
identity
nostalgia
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this reveal about music subcultures?
- How do we mythologize icons?
A Different Perspective
The anecdote may romanticize the past.
![“In 1967, I was 21, and the only guy I knew in London was Neville Chester, a roadie who worked with the Who. I rang him up and said, "Can I crash on your floor?" He was sharing a flat with [Hendrix bassist] Noel Redding. So when Hendrix needed an extra guy, I was right there. To see Hendrix play…” quote by Motorhead](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e80/motorhead-17753_god-bless_in-1967-i-was-21-and-the-only-guy-i-knew_259205.jpg)
