Former lead singer of punk band the Sex Pistols, John Lydon - AKA Johnny Rotten - is set to host a show in Harpenden.

John Lydon - I Could Be Wrong, I Could Be Right will take place at The Eric Morecambe Centre on Thursday, May 2 from 7.30pm.

The frontman and lyricist of the Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd (PiL) will speak about how he sees life, along with his unique and extraordinary career during the show.

Audience questions will also be taken during a "pyrotechnic, one-off tour".

John Lydon said: "I think too many people tell me what I think, and not enough ask me.

“I always find it’s far more fun just telling the truth than being a miserable bleedin’ philosopher.

“This is a format which suits me down to the ground to be honest – because if there’s one thing you can guarantee, it’s that I’m never gonna run out of words!

“I’ve basically spent my whole life being censored. So this is me, honest and unscripted. It’s my thoughts, in my lingo, right or wrong, straight from the horse’s mouth.”

Herts Advertiser: John Lydon - AKA Johnny Rotten - was once the lead singer of the Sex Pistols.John Lydon - AKA Johnny Rotten - was once the lead singer of the Sex Pistols. (Image: Archant)

Since the last leg of Lydon's tour, he has sadly lost his wife Nora and long-time tour manager Johnny 'Rambo' Stevens.

He continued: "I just can’t get over the loss of Nora; I don’t think I ever will.

"It’s hard at night, and I don’t want to throw myself into creating more music right now which would just be a series of ‘woe is me’ misery songs. That’s not the right thing to do."

Lydon threw his hat into the ring to represent Ireland at Eurovision last year, in a bid that was motivated by his wife.

His song entry 'Hawaii' was inspired by one of the couple's favourite holidays.

“I’m very glad I was able to perform the song on Irish TV so I could show it to Nora before she died", Lydon continued.

"It might not have been chosen, but it did put a big smile on her face, and she was very proud of me."

Returning to the subject of his UK tour, the former frontman described the nervousness he experiences before performing live.

“I do sometimes find the weight of live performance shockingly overwhelming.

“I’m a self-inflicted pain and misery kind of character with a smiley face. Every time I go on stage I’m terrified. I get physically ill before a PiL gig. Once I’m on, it’s different level – the real me comes out.

“But the fears and phobias are the very things that power me on to do what I do.

“This show is a little bit different though. Of course I’m still a bit fearful – after all I’m walking into a room and facing thousands of people I don’t know.

“But I like to think I’ve always been able to converse fluently in a down to earth way, not waxing lyrical with a load of toff talk.

“Once the ice is broken it paves the way for a bloody good chat, and a good time to be had by all.

“The thing I love about this show is that I don’t know exactly what I’m going to be doing from one venue to the next.

“You turn up to lots of shows which are very rehearsed and formatted – but that’s never been my way in life.

“I like that ‘in at the deep end’ approach; that’s how to learn to swim. That’s what the Sex Pistols was.

SUGGESTED READING

"There was no game plan, no greedy ambitions, which is why it was so excellent – ahead of its time, or maybe miles behind, depending on your point of view.

“This show’s the same. I’ll go on, on a wing and a prayer, and see what happens. Do what feels right and whatever questions I’m asked, I will give an honest answer."

Tickets start at £35 and can be purchased at www.the-emc.co.uk.

Meet and greet tickets are available from £92, with holders to arrive from 5.45pm.