Tom Snyder Vs John Lydon: a classic late night TV interview

Public Image Ltd. : Chant

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On June 25, 1980 Tom Snyder had Public Image Ltd's John Lydon and Keith Levene join him for a confrontational pair of segments on NBC's Tomorrow Show. Snyder had trouble with the name Public Image Ltd asking the pair "Limited. What is that? Is a band? Is it a public relations firm? What does it do and what is it?" 

Lydon responds  "We ain't no band, we're a company. Simple. Nothing to do with rock 'n' roll. Doo dah." 

After trying to convince Snyder they were interested in doing soundtrack, Lydon goes on a tear about rock'n roll: 

"It's dead. It's a disease. It's a plague. It's been going on for too long. It's history. It's vile. It's not achieving anything, it's just regression. They play rock 'n' roll at airports. It's about as like advanced as it can possibly get!"

After a stern talking to over the break, Lydon and Snyder return for Round Two. Snyder asks the two whether they care what their audience thinks about them. Lydon confesses he doesn't:

"If people appreciate it, that's fine; but we're certainly not going to condescend. Too bad if that makes us look like snot-nosed little gits, but that's probably what we are. At least we're doing it. This ain't no armchair outfit"

Snyder is fed up and can't wait to end the interview."It's unfortunate that we are all out of step except for you. I wish that something could be done."

Lydon "This is what I've been telling the world for about five, six years now! I wish you'd all grow up!" 

Snyder responds  "Well, I hope we do,"