Sex Pistols’ John Lydon converted me into an Arsenal fan

Foo Fighters lead guitarist Chris Shiflett has advised William Hill’s Stripped Podcast how he was remodeled into an Arsenal fan by Intercourse Pistols singer John Lydon and the way a slight curiosity within the North London membership spiralled into an obsession. 

Talking to William Hill’s Stripped Podcast, a collection during which ex-footballers and celebrities are invited to make a journey down reminiscence lane by revisiting their favorite shirts, Shiflett  mentioned: “I grew up in California, and we didn’t have any data of soccer. We knew a number of the groups’ names, however English soccer wasn’t on TV after I was rising up, and no one knew a lot about it.  

“Once I was a bit of bit older within the early 90s, I learn John Lydon’s autobiography, and he talked quite a bit about being an Arsenal fan, and it simply sounded cool. You’d see these bands within the UK, they usually’d be carrying their completely different strips and scarves, and every thing was tied in with soccer tradition. It simply appeared like this cool, unique tradition that we didn’t have right here. So after I learn that e-book, and John Lydon talks about being an Arsenal fan, I believed, ‘that’ll be my crew.’”

Regardless of a rising ardour for the Gunners, Shiflett’s first soccer match in England wasn’t on the Emirates; it was at arch-rivals Tottenham’s White Hart Lane.

Shiflett mentioned: “The primary time I went to England, we did some exhibits within the UK, and I purchased my first Arsenal strip; it will have been round 1997. Whereas we have been in London, I went to my first soccer recreation – the singer in my dad’s band was a Derby County supporter, so we went to see Derby County play Tottenham in London at White Hart Lane! I didn’t know something in regards to the recreation or perceive the rivalries, so I solely discovered later it’s ironic that my first dwell match was at White Hart Lane, and I’m an Arsenal supporter!

“I keep in mind going to that first recreation and taking the tube there, getting out and strolling by the practice station, and it was only a sea of white shirts strolling out to the road. We don’t actually have that factor within the US of huge stadiums in residential neighbourhoods, particularly these outdated stadiums. Soaking all that in was mind-blowing.

“By way of Arsenal, I in all probability went to my first Arsenal recreation round 2000/2001. One among my pals was an enormous Arsenal supporter, and he had season tickets, so he took me to a couple video games. I felt it took me a very long time to even perceive the sport and the way it all works. It was actually a bit later, like 2012/2013, that I correctly dug into it, and it took maintain.”

Changing into a extra passionate Arsenal fan as he bought older, Shiflett was fortunate sufficient to win a training session from former Gunners midfielder Santi Cazorla for his children and fondly appears to be like again on his time spent with the participant.

He mentioned: “Clearly, you’ve bought Thierry Henry, Tony Adams, Patrick Viera – simply that entire interval. However the one which all the time stands out to me is Santi Cazorla! I used to be as soon as in an public sale, and I received a coaching session with Santi Cazorla. So I got here again the subsequent season with my children, and he skilled my children, after which we went to go and see them play Watford the subsequent day, they usually crushed them like 4-0. It was nice. That’s positively probably the most time I’ve ever spent within the presence of an Arsenal participant.

“One time, the Foo Fighters performed a charity present [in the UK], and Petr Cech got here to the present; he was in his closing season at Chelsea. I used to be excited to satisfy him, you already know, he’s only a legend… Then the very subsequent season he got here to Arsenal, and I used to be like, ‘sure!’ And he’s additionally an enormous drummer, so he’d been out to a load of Foo Fighters exhibits.”

Like many Arsenal followers in the intervening time, Shiflett is relishing the time the Gunners are spending on the prime of the Premier League desk, and the passionate ambiance on the Emirates that the latest string of outcomes is inspiring.

He mentioned: “Arsenal have been by this prolonged tough interval for some time, particularly since Arsene Wenger left. The top of his time in cost had been difficult, however it looks like a pleasant time to be an Arsenal fan proper now – there’s an actual sense of optimism there. Every little thing’s going nicely, they’re enjoying nice, they’d an incredible switch window, and all the brand new guys appear to be slotting in very well. I went to the Emirates after I was in London in opposition to Aston Villa, and it simply felt so good; individuals have been singing and cheering and have been actually up for it.

“I keep in mind we performed Glastonbury across the finish of Wenger’s time. I used to be simply taking a look at this huge crowd, and all people’s bought flags and banners saying every kind of various stuff. In the course of all of it, somebody had an enormous banner that mentioned ‘Wenger Out!’ I had a quiet chuckle to myself.

“I bought to satisfy Wenger a few occasions – as soon as at a fundraiser on the Emirates I bought to satisfy him and have a bit of chit chat. I bought a beautiful picture of him with my children and spouse. I believe it was in 2017.”

Brushing on Chelsea proprietor Todd Boehly’s plans to ‘Americanise’ English soccer, Shiflett stood up for a way the system is at present run within the UK and defined how he feels it isn’t price a rethink.

He mentioned: “On a complete facet word – Todd Boehly had that controversial remark about how the Premier League must have an All-Star recreation. It has all the time irritated me how within the MLS, they’ve the playoff system. I bought into Premier League soccer first, so I’ve all the time been used to that system, whereas right here you might have a crew that’s miles off the highest who might finally turn out to be champion – that by no means appealed to me. I wouldn’t need to watch Arsenal play any additional video games due to the chance of harm and congestion. Establishing a precedent of Americanising the game doesn’t enchantment to me – I don’t need to see it modified.”

Lastly, Shiflett touched on Foo Fighters’ latest tribute gig to the late Taylor Hawkins at a sold-out Wembley Stadium.

He mentioned: “It was a very, actually emotional expertise, particularly the morning after waking up and reflecting on it. On the day and all through the present, I simply tried to place my head down and deal with what we have been doing. Whenever you see how the followers reacted to it, not simply within the stadium however all all over the world, it hits you. Clearly horrible circumstances, however a stupendous present and tribute.”