Malcolm McLaren 1946 – 2010: A personal view

Malcolm McLaren, the undoubted Prince of Puppetry was responsible for numerous shifts in popular music. Regarded by many as the Godfather of Punk, he can also lay claim to the equally important title of McLaren the Merciless - Destroyer of Prog!.

I first met Malcolm in Newcastle 25 years ago whilst preparing for a special Mid Summer Night’s edition of the legendary TV show The Tube.

The stand out moment, was watching the managers of all of the other bands, appearing on the program, fawning around his guru-like presence.

The TV show was eventually cancelled due to industrial action and in an effort to raise awareness of the striker’s plight (or perhaps even to gain exposure for the bands no longer appearing) managers would prostrate themselves before Malcolm and suggest possible media savvy tactics.

Malcolm would listen, smile and reflect these same words back at the managers as if his own. Acknowledged, the disciples languishing in his light would turn, carry and carve these words as if divine.

Part of Malcolm’s beauty was in what he reflected, not just what he did or what he said.

MM