John Lydon got Public Image Ltd back on the road in characteristically unconventional style – a reunion conveniently funded by a certain freshly churned British butter, some thirty-odd years after Public Image Ltd first formed back in 1978. There had to be a reason why the legendary punk archetype and national treasure, Johnny Rotten, felt the need to prance around fields eating crumpets on our television sets. But regardless, judging by the sold out crowd gathered at 53 Degrees, it is clear that being in one of the most important and influential bands of all time earns you a special respect from proper music fans of all ages.
These days Lydon has remained the only constant in Public Image Ltd’s line-up and rightfully so it is he who leads the way out on to the main stage. In the instantly familiar voice Lydon beckons, “Hello Preston! Or is it Depressed-on? We’ll soon find out as soon as I start…” A suitably eccentric introduction from the intimidating frontman as the band waste no time in opening the show with popular early track, Public Image.
There was no support act on the night, clearly a custom that Lydon can do without – and in return Public Image Ltd play an impressive set in excess of two hours long, including the bands biggest international chart success This Is Not A Love Song; and fan favourites Death Disco and Acid Drop are well received by the eclectic crowd.
With a diverse and extensive back-catalogue at their disposal it is the driving basslines and experimental guitars accompanying Lydon’s snarling vocals that create an interesting noise, falling somewhere between the Happy Mondays mixed with the Sex Pistols. During Religion Lydon declares, “Let the bass free your soul!” as Scott Firth’s solid, unforgiving bass guitar gets cranked up to an eyeball-tingling eleven. A proud punter holds aloft their crutches in a cross, apparently able to miraculously mosh once again. It’s a surreal scene, as Lydon lurks back and forth, pulling faces and still living up to his Rotten reputation by blowing snot all over the place – but with a music stand on hand, I can only assume to serve as a discrete reminder of the lyrics.
Though the packed crowd was fairly quiet throughout, Lydon seemed happy that, “We’re all friends here!” and as long as we were all smiling his aggressive energy levels did not falter. No evening spent with Lydon would be complete without a few rants as he reminds us not to trust politicians, not to vote Tory – though I’m not sure we needed to know about the absorbent qualities of his M&S undies. One particular ‘second class citizen’ felt the full wrath after throwing a beer in Lydon’s direction – but all seemed to be forgiven – only after a public apology.
Stand out tracks include the pulsating Flowers Of Romance, thedefiant Warrior and personal favourite Rise. Guitarist Lu Edmonds has plenty of room to experiment – playing an impressive array of stringed instruments, using a violin bow and even what appeared to be a flashing Blackpool illuminations souvenir to play his guitar.
The marathon gig comes to a close with the pounding Open Up,originally a collaboration between Lydon and Leftfield, then Lydon respectfully introduces the band members, who each receive an almighty cheer – and Bruce Smith’s flawless drum beats deserve a mention. But an entertainer until the end, the iconic frontman himself says he prefers to remain nameless, “In case of Police reprisals.”
Review: Liam Carroll
Photography: Zoe Taylor (ZT Photography)
