Sex Pistols rocker John Lydon cause controversy by branding Donald Trump a “breath of fresh air”.

The 69-year-old singer shocked fans when he started championing the widely-hated US president, and has now doubled down on his support for the former reality TV judge.

He told ContactMusic.com when asked for his views on Trump: “It might be hard for socialist Britain to understand but Donald Trump is like a breath of fresh air, because he’s not a politician. That’s it.

“I don’t like the man, I don’t care about the man, but he might create something interesting that as of up to now business as usual in politics has not done. Bring a wrecking ball, by all means, to it. A couple of years ago I was asked what I thought of him and I said I thought he was The Sex Pistols of politics.

“Then I tried to take it back and then I thought, ‘No, actually Johnny, that sounds f****** right.”

John also opened up about his support of the idea of UFC fighter Conor McGregor, 36, getting involved in politics. He said when asked if he agreed with Conor’s recent statement the era of the politician is over: “I’m in total agreement with Conor.

“He’s the kind of fella I could sit and talk to for hours because he tells it as he sees it, so there’s no (messing around) with him.”

His remark comes after John admitted Conor is a “little on the violent side”.

The ‘Pretty Vacant’ singer appeared on ‘The Michael Anthony Show’ where he discussed his political views, grieving after the loss of his beloved wife Nora and his rocky childhood.

Speaking about the issue of illegal immigrants living in the UK and Ireland, he said: “Come on Conor” – referring to the Donald Trump-supporting fighter’s rants on social media about Ireland’s immigration laws. When host Michael asked him: “Are you serious about the McGregor s***?,”

John replied: “I believe what he’s saying when he says, ‘The time for politicians has ended’. This is a nice slogan, but I’m not quite sure I’d like to follow him into the next situation, because he's a little on the violent side.”

The rocker is still grief-stricken over the loss of his wife Nora Foster, who died in April 2023 aged 80, five years after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He said about his last days with her: “She died so painfully. Gasping. They call it the death whistle.”

John’s band Public Image Ltd are on tour until August and tickets are on sale now, available from all venues and Ticketmaster.