Malcolm McLaren Tributes Pour In From John Lydon, Vivienne Westwood

A wave of tributes from the worlds of fashion and music have poured in for former Sex Pistols manager and recording artist Malcolm McLaren, who died from cancer aged 64 on Thursday, April 8.

McLaren's former partner Dame Vivienne Westwood -- with whom he ran the notorious Sex fashion store on London's King's Road in Chelsea in the 1970s -- said in a statement, "When we were young I fell in love with Malcolm.

"I thought he was beautiful and I still do. I thought he is a very charismatic, special and talented person."

She added, "The thought of him dead is really something very sad."

New York Dolls guitarist Sylvain Sylvain -- managed by McLaren during their infamous PVC and Communist-chic phase -- told NME.com, "He always had a great sense of humour, he always had a smile on his face. He would cheer you up if you were down."

He also revealed that the reformed New York Dolls would dedicate 'Jet Boy' to their former mentor at their forthcoming show at London's Koko on April 19.

Speaking to the BBC, music journalist Jon Savage, author of the definitive history of the Sex Pistols and punk, 'England's Dreaming,' said, "Without Malcolm McLaren there would not have been any British punk.

"He's one of the rare individuals who had a huge impact on the cultural and social life of this nation."

Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon said a statement: "For me, Malc was always entertaining, and I hope you remember that.

"Above all else he was an entertainer and I will miss him, and so should you."

Contrary to some reports, McLaren died in Switzerland, not the US, and his body will shortly be flown back to the UK where he is expected to be buried in Highgate Cemetery in North London.