Public Image Ltd (PiL) vocalist, John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) recently caused quite a stir with his much-publicised interview on Australian tabloid panel TV show, The Project. Lydon was labelled by the show as sexist and misogynist, to which he responded that the show’s hosts sounded like a pack of hyenas.
With such a sense of built up punk rock angst still lingering around Lydon, curiosity was fuelling expectations of their live show.
Composed of three instrumentalists and three harmonising vocalists, the appropriately named Harmony opened the show. Unfortunately they weren’t the best fit for the night, the disinterested chatter of punters in a half-empty Palace overpowering a small crowd of fans at the front.
Featuring members of The Nation Blue and McLusky, Harmony are a band whose members have paid their dues. Unfortunately, however, it was not to be their night. An uneasy vibe combined with songs without recognisable choruses made it hard to appreciate their droning style of post-rock, especially with such high anticipation for the headliners.
It’s been around 20 years since PiL last graced our shores with their blend of post-punk and new wave sounds. There was no entrance music and no big opening – PiL came on stage, introduced themselves, and were off with a bang.
Lydon commanded complete attention, all eyes fixated on his every move as he belted out lines in his signature whine. His PiL backers sounded tight and precise, each song delivered with rhythmic perfection. Bassist Scott Firth and drummer Bruce Smith provided an incredible backbone for the interesting and bizarre guitar work of Lu Edmonds. Combined with a hypnotic light show, the band delivered a unique sonic experience.
Playing a selection of tracks from throughout the band’s career, by the time they played radio hit ‘Disappointed’, the crowd were really in the groove. ‘Death Disco’ then received an extended spellbinding jam that captured the audience and refused to let go.
Another of the band’s well known singles, ‘This Is Not A Love Song’, also received a huge reception, given a standing ovation as one of the highlights of the set.
The encore featured the insanely catchy ‘Rise’ and the impressive ‘Open Up’, a powerful song that Lydon recorded with dance outfit Leftfield featuring a throbbing bassline and howling lyrics. It was an interesting choice, but it fitted perfectly tacked on the end of the band’s set.
By the time it was done, Lydon advised the audience that “Punk is Love”, before grabbing his lyric book and walking off stage leaving the audience floored.
To say the band were mesmerising would be an understatement. PiL came and delivered one of the most incredible two-hour sets to have graced the Palace’s stage this year. Packed full of seemingly anarchic and avant-garde jams, the music they make is more structured than it first sounds.
On record, PiL create art that differs from anything you may have heard. In the live context they’re on another level again, sending shivers down your spine as Lydon commands and demands you to listen, enjoy and get your groove on.
Leaving the venue it was clear that every single punter was moved by the experience; truly a spectacular show full of should-have-been hit singles and new wave pop happiness.
