John Lydon, the former Sex Pistol, would have "loved to be a painter", he says in one of a series of interviews with leading punk rockers to be aired in a BBC season entitled "Punk Britannia" next month.

The former Sex Pistol says 'cruel and tortuous' illness left him unaware who his parents were

Steve Lamacq wiped tears from his eyes before he walked on-stage and recalled the “emotional three months” when it seemed the radio station he works for would never reach its tenth birthday, which was celebrated tonight, as the BBC planned 6 Music’s death.

Having shaken off the 'lad-rock' tag, Kasabian are hoping their new album will make them superstars. Elisa Bray meets them

It's the catch-all term that's being used to describe this week's riots. But is this really anarchy? Not even close, says Chumbawumba's Boff Whalley, a self-professed anarchist

Punk's not dead – it's just having a nice cup of tea and a look round a stately home.

Given that he (allegedly) recommended Andy Coulson as Tory comms director, and (allegedly) invited James Murdoch and Rebekah Brooks to his 40th birthday party, you may be surprised to learn that George (né Gideon) Osborne is said to be intensely relaxed about the imminent publication of ministers' meetings with media execs.

Beach Boy Brian Wilson quoted one of his own songs to thank his fans as he was honoured at a top music awards.

The accidental death of a cobra-lover has highlighted the strange passion some feel for serpents. Michael Bywater tries to explain

Laura Tennant reports on the changing face of ageing

Starring: Jason Statham, Paddy Considine

They used to call Peter Hammill "the Hendrix of the voice". There are passages of unique emotional force tonight which show you why. His band Van der Graaf Generator formed in 1967 and supported Hendrix at the Albert Hall, during an initial career characterised by stage-splintering Italian riots, mysterious near-drownings and possible possession by Ibiza witches. They were the "prog" band John Lydon loved. They split in 1978, and reformed in 2005, around which time Hammill (a prolific solo artist) almost died. Strong forces work through them still. A trio since the acrimonious departure of saxophonist David Jackson soon after they reformed, this is the first time they've filled the gap in power he left, the best I've seen them since a 2005 night in Milan when, as he sang, Hammill seemed somewhere else.

The founder of On-U Sound tells Nick Coleman that there is more to reggae than 'ooom-chicky...'

John Lydon has branded Jay-Z a "parody".