Bands & artists like John Lydon

If you like John Lydon, these artists play in similar sounds, ideas, or styles. Use this as a starting point to branch out and find something new to listen to.

Artists to try next

David Bowie

David Bowie

Guide

Bowie's experimental approach and genre-blending, especially in his Berlin Trilogy, echo Lydon's innovative sound and post-punk ethos.

alternative rock ambient music art pop
Talking Heads

Talking Heads

Guide

Their fusion of art rock and funk with a rhythmic focus aligns closely with Lydon's dance-punk sensibility and jagged instrumentation.

new wave post-punk
Siouxsie and the Banshees

Siouxsie and the Banshees

Guide

The band's dark, atmospheric sound and punk roots resonate with Lydon's aesthetic, particularly in their use of tension and layered textures.

alternative rock gothic rock new wave
Killing Joke

Killing Joke

Their heavy, industrial-infused post-punk sound shares a similar intensity and rhythmic drive found in Lydon's music.

gothic rock industrial metal new wave
The Fall

The Fall

Guide

Mark E. Smith's abrasive vocal style and the band's experimental rock approach reflect the same raw energy present in Lydon's work.

alternative rock punk rock
Wire

Wire

Wire's minimalist yet complex structures and post-punk experimentation align well with Lydon's sonic explorations.

art punk
Throbbing Gristle

Throbbing Gristle

Guide

As pioneers of industrial music, their confrontational soundscapes and experimental ethos parallel Lydon's avant-garde tendencies.

industrial music
The Birthday Party

The Birthday Party

Nick Cave's chaotic energy and the band's blend of punk and noise rock create a visceral experience akin to Lydon's music.

gothic rock post-punk

Common questions

Who sounds like John Lydon?

Artists similar to John Lydon include David Bowie, Talking Heads, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Killing Joke. Each shares elements of John Lydon's sound while bringing their own perspective.

What genre is John Lydon?

John Lydon is primarily known for alternative rock, new wave and post-punk. A throbbing pulse drives Lydon's music forward, layered with jagged rhythms and a tension that demands engagement.

Where should I start if I like John Lydon?

If you enjoy John Lydon, start with David Bowie — their album "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" is a great entry point. Bowie's experimental approach and genre-blending, especially in his Berlin Trilogy, echo Lydon's innovative sound and post-punk ethos.