With great sadness I am reporting that former Sex Pistols manager and one of the founders of Punk, Malcolm McLaren passed away on April 8 due to a battle with cancer. McLaren passed away in New York and will be laid to rest in London's Highgate Cemetary. McLaren who managed the Sex Pistols for their entire career, is the man responsible for assembling the band together and introduced front man Johnny Rotten to Sid Vicious in the 70's. He dictated what the band should wear and what would then become the "image" of punk. After the demise of the Pistols, McLaren went on to manage the New York Dolls, Bow Wow Wow and others. His legacy will live on forever. McLaren was 64.
Here are what some of McLaren's colleges are saying about his passing:
Johnny Rotten: "For me Malc was always entertaining, and I hope you remember that. Above all else he was an entertainer and I will miss him, and so should you."
Mick Jones of The Clash told NME: I was terribly saddened to hear the news. "Malcolm was a huge influence on The Clash and on everything I have done. I will miss him dearly."
Alan McGee, founder of Creation records and was to Oasis what McLaren was to The Pistols told NME Radio: "really serious kick in the balls"
Sylvain Sylvain of New York Dolls: "Malcolm opened up the doors for punk music around the world. He was a visionary and took what was going on in New York City and made it global. He was a massive influence on everyone who ever had a punk shop or a punk band. His passing represents the final chapter in an era when music was exciting."
Dame Vivienne Westwood, fashion designer and former business partner told Spinner: "When we were young I fell in love with Malcolm. I thought he was beautiful and I still do. I thought he is a very charismatic, special and talented person. The thought of him dead is really something very sad."
Gorillaz via Twitter: "Malcolm McLaren. From The New York Dolls, The Pistols fall out, Duck Rock, Madame Butterfly n’ more…Tricky but never dull. Missed. R.I.P."
P Diddy via Twitter: "RIP Malcolm McLaren. Music lost an icon today."