Public Image Ltd

Widely regarded as one of the most innovative bands of all time, post-punk originators Public Image Ltd, with their shifting line-up and unique sound, have pushed boundaries for decades.

Formed in 1978 by Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon, the band has amassed 5 UK Top 20 Singles and 5 UK Top 20 Albums with their eclectic fusion of dance, folk, pop, rock and dub influences.

The current line-up comprises of frontman John Lyndon, bassist Scott Firth and drummer Bruce Smith. The band last performed in the UK in September 2023, and following the death of Lydon’s lifelong friend and manager John Rambo Stevens, soon after the death of his wife Nora in Apil 2023, Lydon thought the band might not tour again.

On the tour, Lydon says: “I thought that might be it. After losing Nora, and Rambo, I couldn’t see a way through. I’d already committed to the spoken word tour, this spring, and I never let anyone down – I always stick to my word – so I had to do those dates.

“The thing is, people were so overwhelmingly positive, and they asked me to tour PiL again. With so many people asking and with the band meaning so much to them, I couldn’t just stay on my sofa and not tour – tempting though that obviously is.”

With hits including ‘Rise’, ‘This Is Not A Love Song’, and ‘Don’t Ask Me’, Public Image Ltd continue to shape the post-punk genre. In 2011 the band was awarded ‘Outstanding Contribution To Music’ at the Mojo Honours List.