Sex Pistols singer Johnny Rotten almost brawled with Quadrophenia star Phil Daniels after the actor beat him to the role of Jimmy in the cult film.
Punk rocker Rotten was Pete Townsend from The Who’s first choice to play the lead role in the 1979 feature, which was based on the band’s rock opera of the same name.
However, the role went to Daniels, who earned plaudits for his depiction of a scooter-riding mod in the 60s escaping his humdrum life through a heady mix of parties, amphetamines and fights.
Daniels’ co-star Trevor Laird said the rejection left Rotten feeling “squiffy” and that when the pair bumped into one another, a fight nearly broke out.
(Image: ©Universal Studios)
Laird, who played Ferdy in the film, said: “I remember, after the film came out, us meeting Johnny Rotten somewhere.
“And he being a little bit squiffy about the film, I think he threw an insult at Phil and Phil threw an insult at him and of course they backed down…”
Daniels, 60, quipped that the producers had certainly “made the right choice” by picking him over Rotten, 63.
He said: “Whether I knew about Johnny… all I know is they made the right choice in the end.”
