Bloc Party frontman and John Lydon's entourage exchange blows

Wednesday, 23 July 2008

Bloc Party's Kele Okereke emerged from the recent Summercase festival with facial bruises and a split lip after getting into a backstage altercation with John Lydon and his entourage. Okereke, who approached the Sex Pistol's frontman backstage in Spain to ask him if he'd ever reunite with his previous band Public Image Ltd, claims Lydon "became intimidating and aggressive while his entourage responded with a racist tirade including the statement, 'Your problem is your black attitude'." A fight ensued between Okereke and members of Lydon's entourage with members of Kaiser Chiefs and Foals also becoming involved before it was broken up by concert security. Both artists released statements following the incident, with Lydon blaming 'jealousy' for the attack while Okereke expressed dismay at the punk legend's apparent racism. "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. I am disappointed that someone I held with such high regard turns out to be such a bigot," he said.