In 1976 Johnny Rotten and the Sex Pistols set the agenda for punk’s year zero with ‘Anarchy In The UK’, a song that summed up the spirit, sound and attitude of the band in one shocking package. Two years later, the Sex Pistols were in tatters, but Rotten was as unsentimental as you’d hope. He reverted to his real name – John Lydon – and set about forming a band whose very identity kicked against press and media manipulation. Featuring bassist Jah Wobble, drummer Jim Walker and guitarist Keith Levene, his new group was Public Image Limited. The public image would be limited.

PiL were a very distinct prospect from the Pistols, founded with a greater thought for rhythm, and with a sound that turned the page from snarling punk to a more experimental sound fusing rock, dance, folk, ballet, pop and dub. But that’s not to say Lydon’s new outfit lacked vitriol. ‘Public Image’ hits out against the notorious British tabloid press, who never gave Lydon an easy ride, and against his own Sex Pistols public image – “You only saw me for the clothes I wore”.

The debut single (and the album that followed) operated as a theme song and a manifesto: “…my entrance/My own creation/My grand finale/My goodbye,” as the lyrics had it. It is, essentially, the sound of four people letting loose in a studio – and not caring what anyone else thought.
The album was never officially released in the USA back in the day, its sound considered too un-commercial by major labels for an American release.

TRACK LISTING

Theme
Religion I
Religion II
Annalisa
Public Image
Low Life
Attack
Fodderstompf
The Cowboy Song (LP Download Card)
Interview W/ John Lydon, 1978 (LP Download Card)

Reissue on clear vinyl with new alternative sleeve art. Recorded live at Rockpalast Zeche Bochum, Germany, October 31st, 1983. From the (then as now) legendary Live At Rockpalast series, and from the same tour as the "Live In Tokyo" album, this contains a total of 13 songs including the "This Is Not A Love Song" which that year became their biggest UK hit, and the Sex Pistols classic (rarely played by PIL) "Anarchy In The U.K.".

Live at Rockpalast 1983 documents PIL at a most unique time in its career. Lydon had fired all members but drummer Martin Atkins, filled the slots with session musicians and then embarked on a European tour. Paradoxically not only does the band tear through jagged, speedy renditions of tunes from PIL's first three albums, but there is an added emphasis on Lydon, who seemed more engaged than almost ever before.

TRACK LISTING

Side A
1. Public Image I
2. Annalisa
3. Religion
Side B
1. Memories
2. Flowers Of Romance
3. Solitaire
Side C
1. Chant
2. Anarchy In The U.K.
3. (This Is Not A) Love Song
Side D
1. Low Life
2. Under The House
3. Bad Life
4. Public Image II

Earlier this year, PiL released Hawaii, the most personal piece of songwriting and accompanying artwork that John Lydon has ever shared. The song is a love letter to John's wife Nora, who sadly passed away from Alzheimer’s on Wednesday 5th April. A pensive, personal yet universal love song that has resonated with many since its release in January, the song sees John reflecting on their lifetime well spent and in particular one of their happiest moments together in Hawaii. John said, “Nora loved the album, she wouldn’t have wanted us to postpone it or change any of our plans.”

Previously he has said of Hawaii, “It is dedicated to everyone going through tough times on the journey of life, with the person they care for the most.

Celebrating their 40-year anniversary in 2018, the band is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential bands of all time. PiL’s music and vision has earned them 5 UK Top 20 singles and 5 UK Top 20 albums. With a shifting line-up and unique sound - fusing rock, dance, folk, pop and dub – Lydon guided the band from their debut album First Issue in 1978 through to 1992’s That What Is Not, before a 17 year hiatus. Lydon reactivated PiL in 2009, touring extensively worldwide and releasing two critically acclaimed albums This is PiL in 2012 followed by their 10th studio album What The World Needs Now… in 2015, which peaked at number 29 in the official UK album charts and picked up fantastic acclaim from both press and public. (The album also peaked at number 3 in the official UK indie charts and number 4 in the official UK vinyl charts). What The World Needs Now… was self-funded by PiL and released on their own label ‘PiL Official’ via Cargo UK Distribution. In 2018 PiL celebrated their 40th anniversary with a career-spanning box set and documentary, both called ‘The Public Image Is Rotten’, and a 32-date UK/Europe tour, plus dates in Japan. John Lydon, Lu Edmonds, Scott Firth and Bruce Smith continue as PiL. They are the longest stable line-up in the band's history and continue to challenge and thrive. 

STAFF COMMENTS

Barry says: Another strong LP for PIL here, trading on the sounds we've come to expect from their previous post-reunion outings, with Lydon's vocals in fine form, lurching from snarling spoken word to rhythmic swing and (relatively) soft melodic passages. While PIL have never been one to go with expectations, it's this scattershot stylistic barrage that's become their trademark, and on 'End Of World' it's as effective as ever. Another killer outing.

TRACK LISTING

1. Penge
2. End Of The World
3. Car Chase
4. Being Stupid Again
5. Walls
6. Pretty Awful
7. Strange
8. Down On The Clown
9. Dirty Murky Delight
10. The Do That
11. L F C F
12. North West Passage
13. Hawaii