When the Sex Pistols fell apart in 1978, Johnny Rotten could have repeated himself. Instead, as John Lydon, he formed Public Image Ltd and made some of the most unsettling and influential records of the post-punk era.
Post-punk’s great experiment
Lydon formed PiL in London in 1978 with guitarist Keith Levene and bassist Jah Wobble. “Public Image” (1978) was a statement of intent, and Metal Box (1979), first released as three 12-inch records in a film canister, mixed dub bass, jagged guitar and Lydon’s wail. In the ’80s PiL found a catchier side with “This Is Not a Love Song” (1983) and “Rise” (1986).
Is Public Image Ltd new wave?
PiL are post-punk, the experimental side of the new wave era. Their early records are among post-punk’s most influential, while “This Is Not a Love Song” and “Rise” were hits played alongside new wave.
The essential Public Image Ltd
- “Public Image” (1978)
- “Death Disco” (1979)
- “This Is Not a Love Song” (1983)
- “Rise” (1986)
PiL today
Lydon still leads PiL on record and on tour.
Hear PiL on New Wave Radio
Request “Rise”. “Anger is an energy” still lands.
Related: Killing Joke · Big Audio Dynamite · Malcolm McLaren
