Whatchumagenre

It’s very unfortunate to report this, but I have to. Some of you may know that Bloc Party is pretty high on my list of favorite bands. In fact, Kele Okereke has been one of the biggest inspirations and motivators of my life. I hold him in the highest respect. Therefore, it will be difficult to report this with unbias, but I’ll try.

Saturday night in Barcelona, Kele Okereke, post-punk kiddie, and John Lydon (a.k.a. Johnny Rotten), punk granddaddy, had a spat that turned physical. Any Bloc Party news is enough to get me excited. Any Bloc Party news that involves a physical fight, even more so. Any Bloc Party news that involves a 3-on-1 fist fight, sparked by unjustified racial comments, that ends with severe facial bruising and a split lip… well you can imagine.

Guardian reports:

In an official statement released by the Okereke, who is of Nigerian descent, the singer says he approached Lydon backstage and asked him about the possibility of a reunion for Public Image Ltd, the band Lydon formed following the Sex Pistols demise in 1978. In Okereke’s words, Lydon became “intimidating and aggressive while his entourage responded with a racist tirade, including the statement, ‘your problem is your black attitude’.” An assault allegedly ensued in which three people attacked Okereke.

Several other bands witnessed the incident, with Foals’ singer Yannis Philippakis and Kaiser Chiefs singer Ricky Wilson intervening on the Bloc Party singer’s behalf. “It’s not an issue of the physical assault, even though it was an unprovoked attack,” said Okereke. “It is the fact that race was brought into the matter so readily. Someone as respected and as intelligent as Lydon should know better than to bring race into the equation, or socialise with and encourage those who hold such narrow-minded attitudes.” He added: “I am disappointed that someone I held with such high regard turns out to be such a bigot.”

Here’s a portion of Bag of Douche Lydon’s statement in response (also via Guardian):

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 … If they need publicity so badly this is the allegation universe they run into.

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.

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…. 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.

You know what, fuck unbias!

You’re right Johnny, the media is riddled with nonsense like this. Nonsense that YOU created. And Kele’s just a jealous fool? Sorry mate, but you had nothing on the Clash. You’re self-proclaimed “glory days” are over. And I use “glory days” loosely. You’re just a bitter old man who refuses to let go. I’m sorry but it seems YOU’RE the “jealous fool.” Johnny, act your age not your shoe size!

His comments are pretty funny too:

“When you have achieved as much as I have, come back and talk to me,” he added.

Someone should tell him that Bloc Party has released TWO good albums, so in a sense, they’ve achieved twice as much as the Pistols ever did. Lydon is seriously in love with his self… and he stands alone. He needs to do us a favor and quit.

Also, why would it be a publicity stunt. Kele has constantly confessed that he hates media and public attention and is very shy. Don’t forget about his song “Vision of Heaven.” It’s all about wanting to be alone. And we wonder why?

Wow that felt good to get off my chest! Anyway, considering the number of bands that witnessed the incident (well over, 50 people), I imagine the truth of Kele’s claims (for or against) will surface at some point. I’ll keep you posted.