The repetitive nature of the songs is the main attraction (to me, that is). The guitars seemed to be constructed as a wall of sound. The bass was featured prominently in the sound. An important album in the development of post-punk, new-wave and doom, but totally misunderstood at the time. But, as so often is the case with albums of this calibre, it was panned by the press. On December 8th, 1978, the PIL debut album was released. Even though punk had its influence on the group’s sound, their music was mainly influenced by krautrock, dub, ‘noise’ and atonal music.

Without succumbing to the wishes (demands?) of audience(s), PIL went their own way. That attitude was obvious musically as well. A path was mapped out, without any compromise.

Everything was done by themselves, from production to management.

It wasn’t before long that Public Image Limited was regarded as the precursor in the development of post-punk.īut PIL was also a business model. The name refers to the way The Sex Pistols were marketed (as interpreted by Lydon). With ex-Clash guitarist Keith Levene, bass player Jah Wobble and drummer Jim Walker, Lydon formed a new band: Public Image Limited, also known as Public Image Ltd or PIL. John Lydon was entangled in a lawsuit against Glitterbest (the management company behind The Sex Pistols) and was repulsed by punk and standard rock. McLaren also enlisted many journalists to meticulously report on the tour.Īfter The Sex Pistols’ implosion many were eager to see what would happen next. Given their notoriety and fame a tour of larger cities like New York, Los Angeles and Washington made more sense. To make matters even worse, manager Malcolm McLaren had booked the band in typical red-neck cities like Atlanta, Memphis, San Antonio, Baton Rouge, Dallas and Tulsa. Singer Johnny Rotten only spoke with his bandmates when it was absolutely necessary. By that time Sid Vicious was heavily addicted to heroin, making him virtually incapable of playing. The Sex PistolsĮarly 1978 The Sex Pistols toured the United States. The story of the disappearance of Johnny Rotten. One the first/most influential post-punk albums. On December 8th, 1978, the first Public Image Limited album was released. John Lydon, Muziekkrant Oor, January 1979 Introduction Public Image Ltd have nothing to do with Rock ‘n’ Roll, because Rock n Roll is the most sickening and boring thing this century has produced. Public Image Ltd – On the roof of John Lydon’s house, 1978

Public image ltd johnny rotten