Hidden Agenda

Concert Review

Public Image Ltd

PiL gif.gif

Club Royale- Boston, MA  (05/05/2010)

     The lasting legacy of John Lydon (a.k.a “Johnny Rotten”) and the Sex Pistols is known through out the music world.  Lydon has taken his musical and artistic ability to another level with his group Public Image Ltd (PiL).  Public Image Ltd originally formed following the break up of the Sex Pistols and continued until 1992 when the group went on hiatus.  2009 marked the return of the group with John Lydon teaming up with Robert “Lu” Edmonds (formerly of the Damned), Bruce Smith (formerly of Pop Group), and Scott Firth. 

     PiL is more of a contrast from the Sex Pistols for anyone that is not familiar with the group.  The contrast includes a combination of electronic beats with more of a dub sounding guitar/bass sound.  The group performed two consecutive shows at the Royal in Boston, Massachusetts; with this review being on the second night.  Although playing to a half-full crowd, the band took the stage performing an energetic show.  With 8 studio releases and their 2009 live album, AliFE (live album); the set consisted of many well known songs.  The group opened with “this is not a love song” off of the album This is What You Want…This is What You Get.  Then it continued with “poptones” and “albatross,” off the album Metal Box; and “tie me to the length of that” (also from This is What you Want…This is What You Get).  John Lydon personified the punk attitude and with the occasional gargling of Hennessey and unique vocal sound he has maintained those punk roots.  Although the reunion is not with the original line-up (Jah Wobble and Keith Levene), the band’s performance as a whole has not lost a step.  A highlight of this is Lu Edmonds and his guitar performance on “death disco” and “public image.”  

     John Lydon’s performance with PiL continues his music legacy.  The return of PiL is an opportunity for music fans to view a legendary group at work.  With a live performance just as legendary it is an experience that should not be missed.

The set list for this show consisted of the following:

  1. This is not a love song
  2. Poptones
  3. Tie Me to the Length of That
  4. Albatross
  5. Death Disco
  6. Flowers
  7. Psychopath
  8. Warrior
  9. USLS
  10. Disappointed
  11. Religion
  12. Bags
  13. Chant
  14. Memories
  15. Public Image
  16. Sun
  17. Rise
  18. Open Up