Nora Forster, wife of former Sex Pistols singer John Lydon, died 04.07.2023, 09:45

Nora Forster has died at the age of 80 after a five-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease. The 67-year-old singer, also known as Johnny Rotten, has often spoken of his constant care for Nora, who he “always loved” and couldn’t live without. Fans were asked to respect the artist’s privacy after the loss of a loved one.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news that Nora Forster, John Lydon’s wife of almost five decades, has passed away. Nora lived with Alzheimer’s disease for several years. During this time, John became her permanent guardian. Please respect John’s grief and give him some space. Rest in peace Nora,” the statement read.

Lydon married Nora in 1979. He recently admitted that life without her would be unbearable. Nora Mayer had a daughter, Ariana, from her previous marriage to German singer Frank Forster. The singer, better known as Ahri Up, became the lead singer of The Slits as a teenager and became a punk icon. She died in 2010 of cancer.

Nora moved to West London in the 1960s. She hosted bands and rock stars such as The Clash, Yes and Jimi Hendrix at her home in Shepherd’s Bush. In 1975, Nora met Lydon, 14 years her junior, at the famous Sex Vivienne Westwood clothing store on the Kings Road. Friends tried to dissuade the couple from each other, but despite this, Lydon said they formed an immediate and explosive bond that will last a lifetime.

“This is love, you know. I have always loved this woman. And she knows it. When we met, we didn’t expect to get along. We were both told we were bad. But sparks flew. It was an instant attraction,” he told The Guardian last year.

The former Sex Pistols singer remained faithful to his wife despite the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle he led. John did not like frivolity in personal relationships. In the years after Nora’s diagnosis, he said, the couple became more tolerant. They continued to dance, watch television and meditate together.

The artist that his beloved wife did not leave, despite the worsening of the disease and loss of memory. “For me, the right person is always there.” The person I love is still here every minute of every day and this is my life,” he is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. The couple had no children together.