Sex Pistols star John Lydon wants to write a song for troubled star Britney Spears - to help her turn her life around.

The punk pioneer - also known as Johnny Rotten - empathises with Spears' personal problems and admits he feels inspired to collaborate with the singer.

Lydon insists he would love to give Spears' musical career a boost.

He says, "I haven't written a song for Britney yet but I would love to. I'd like to help out because there's a girl who needs some help."

"She's been hurt. And hurt is the root core essence of good music."

Over the last year Spears has endured a variety of setbacks including hospitalisation for a bipolar disorder, custody battles over her two sons and career issues.