Despite it being a Sunday evening and that most of the band were apparently suffering from head colds, Public Image Ltd hit the stage at The Engine Rooms for a packed-out performance.
The queue formed early and it was good to see a spread of ages come out to see one of the pioneers of the Punk movement of the late 70s. Although the line-up of the band has changed many times since its formation in 1978, John Lydon had been the sole constant member. When The Sex Pistols disbanded, a new venture was the obvious next step for its frontman, known as “Jonny Rotten” up to that point. Public Image Ltd was born.
Though the decades have moved on, the fan base was still keen to see him play. Older and possibly wiser, Lydon led the band at Sunday’s gig and obliged with the post-punk sound that he’s known for. The obligatory Lydon stare was still on display as the current line-up backed him up superbly. There was no support act, although some of the crowd were clearly expecting one, but nonetheless, the band hit the stage and put in an energetic set of their planet of their best knowns songs. Playing popular tracks including ‘Public Image’, ‘This Is Not A Love Song’, Flowers Of Romance’, and ‘Rise’ which drew much enthusiasm from the crowd with almost incantation chanting of the line “Anger is energy”!
Overall the band gave a firm and zealous performance and certainly impressed the crowd proving their continuing popularity after so many years.
The band now continue with their very busy Tour, which has seen them sell out venues in California and Ireland, which now moves to the rest of the UK before ending in Belgium later this month.
You can find tour dates and tickets here
Words and Photo credit – Peter Nicholson
