Creator of British Punk Movement Dies of Mesothelioma at 64

Malcolm McLaren, an impresario, recording artist and fashion designer who as manager of the Sex Pistols played a decisive role in creating the British punk movement, died on Thursday in Switzerland. He was 64.

Photo: Creator of British Punk Movement Dies of Mesothelioma at 64

Creator of British Punk Movement Dies of Mesothelioma at 64

The cause was mesothelioma, a cancer of the linings around organs, said Young Kim, his companion of many years. She said he had been under treatment at a Swiss hospital. He lived in Paris and New York, New York Times informs.

Mr. McLaren's career in music wasn't limited to managing the Pistols. He also had a solo career in which he blended genres and acted as a kind of music curator. In the early 1980s, he had key songs in hip-hop, including the hit "Buffalo Gals," and brought different textures to the developing genre. During his career, he worked in electronica, pop - even opera.

In addition to music and fashion, Mr. McLaren also dabbled in journalism and filmmaking - working in Hollywood with directors such as Quentin Tarantino and Steven Spielberg, San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Sex Pistols front man 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, Spinner says.