The world’s most bitter rock feud explodes as Rocker tears bandmates apart

Lydon was Forster’s full-time caregiver for the last two years of her life. He raged, “I expected some kind of bandage when Nora died, but nothing.”

Sources close to the singer say the lack of contact has deepened an already fractured relationship, which has further deteriorated since the band returned to tour without him.

A long-time collaborator claimed: ‘John felt abandoned at the lowest point in his life and feels his former bandmates have been completely insensitive. Whatever history they share, he thought basic human decency would prevail.”

Another source familiar with the situation added: “This wasn’t about business or music. For John, it was personal, and the silence confirmed how far apart they really are. The Pistols’ rivalry is now one of the world’s bitterest and fiercest rock feuds.’

Lydon has previously spoken openly about the toll of caring for Forster and the way her illness has changed his view of the situation.

Shortly before her death, he described the experience in stark terms, saying, “All the things I thought were the ultimate pain now seem ridiculous.”

He added: “It has shaped me into what I am. I don’t think I’ll ever get over it. I don’t see how I can live without her. I wouldn’t want it. There’s no point.’

Relations between Lydon and his former bandmates have been tense for years, but the rift widened after the Pistols returned to the stage with Frank Carter, replacing Lydon on vocals.

Lydon has repeatedly dismissed the reunion as hollow and disrespectful to the band’s legacy.

“It’s almost malicious,” he sneered last year.

“And it’s karaoke, that’s all it’ll ever be.” He then criticized the group’s inability to produce new material, adding, “Damn, the Three Stooges in that band have had how many years to write new songs? That’s what I’d like to hear.”

In later comments, he accused the lineup of diluting what the Pistols once stood for.

“It’s weird,” he said. “(It’s) a dilution of all the integrity, intensity, genuine honesty and genuine emotion that I put into that band.”

Lydon reserved a particular disdain for comparisons between himself and the new frontman, adding: “Of course it’s karaoke, but it’s like come on, Mr. Carter, you’re not Johnny Rotten, I am. Right? Stop it.”

However, he acknowledged Carter’s rock attitude, saying, “I actually think he took it in the right spirit.”

The Pistols and Carter played a series of shows at London’s Bush Hall last year before touring the UK and beyond.

Meanwhile, Lydon continues to tour with his post-Pistols band Public Image Ltd. as the acrimony surrounding his former band shows no sign of easing.