John Lydon tells Jade Wright about Scouse punks, Cilla Black’s tights, and why he did those butter adverts

For the PiL show, John will be making up some lyrics as he goes along. “I like doing that. I like the sense and the sensibility of it. Not the book for old women, though. I know one old woman, and that was his favourite book.”

I ask who.

“Malcolm McLaren,” he whispers. “But that's enough about him.”

I think he's joking, but I can't be sure. Suddenly he becomes quite introspective and quiet: “I'm many things,” he says. “I agree with many people's criticisms of me.

“I don't get life easy, but then I wouldn't want to.

“I'm sorry that telling the truth hurts a lot of people.” He pauses for a second, and shouts: “NOT!”.

I start to laugh.

“I'm opening my heart here,” he's laughing now, too. “I'm showing you what the songs mean. It's for the benefit of the human race. You can f--- off if you don't like it.”

Another pause. And a laugh.

“But I'd rather you didn't.”

PiL play the O2 Academy tomorrow. Tickets, £25, from 0844 477 2000 or www.pilofficial.com.