Pop Culture, RIP, punk
Packager of Punk, Malcolm McLaren Dead at age 64
Danielle Johnsen :: Thursday, April 8th, 2010 2:51 pm
Malcolm McLaren, former manager of the Sex Pistols and punk impresario, passed away this morning at age 64. McLaren died from complications from cancer, which he had been battling for years, at a New York area hospital.
Best known for his integral role as the manager of the Sex Pistols, McLaren was the brains behind the operation, scoring John Lydon, better known back then as Johnny Rotten, the lead singer and assisted in the launching of the band into infamous territory. McLaren, along with his partner designer Vivienne Westwood, made the Sex Pistols more than just a band within the punk movement, but more the aesthetic for the “movement” and his press grabbing tactics made the band one of the most hated AND revered in the world. While McLaren battled with the Pistols in the 1980’s over money and publishing rights, there is no denying that his role with the band aided their arrival to the next level, whether they wanted to be there or not. Dueling images of who and what made the band can be seen in the films The Great Rock ‘n’ Roll Swindle, which tends to favor McLaren, and the band supported The Filth and the Fury, both which were directed by Julien Temple.
McLaren went on to remain a mainstay in the counter culture community, with his continued involvement within the punk scene, and his personal foray into music with the eccentric album “Duck Rock”. His career has evolved over the years from hated music manager to successful and respected film producer and director, continuing McLaren’s hold on both counter and popular culture. Last year, he sat down with VBS.Tv to discuss the changes unfolding within popular culture and the current art world.
VBS Meets… Malcolm McLaren - Click here for this week’s top video clips
Spokesman Les Malloy said he expected McLaren’s body to be returned to the UK for burial. McLaren is survived by his son Joseph Corre, co-creator of Agent Provocateur.
Oh sh*t. Sad.
Posted by: Lauren April 8th, 2010 at 3:25 pm