John Lydon is set to bring Public Image Limited out of hiatus for a series of tour dates celebrating the band’s iconic album ‘Metal Box’.
After the dis-integration of The Sex Pistols Johnny Rotten found himself at a loss. The singer was a punk icon, revered and reviled in equal measure. Yet gazing out at a nation gorging themselves on identikit punk clones the frontman felt confined by what he had helped to create.
Forming Public Image Limited in 1978, Rotten became Lydon as the singer tried to claw back his identity. With guitarist Keith Levene at his side, Lydon recruited teenage friend Jah Wobble to provide bass duties.
The initial classic line up of the group couldn’t last long, with the friction between the four musicians resulting in some powerful music. Public Image Limited released their second album ‘Metal Box’ in 1979, which became an instant classic.
With lyrics that explored some of the darker regions of the soul PiL decided to subvert the album formula. Instead of being released as a straight forward product their second album was released a three 12 inch records, bound together in a circular silver tin – the ‘Metal Box’ of the title.
Hugely influential, ‘Metal Box’ is arguably the finest achievement of the post-punk era. Profound lyrically and musically it challenged itself and the rock scene which operated around it.
Still a deeply challenging album, ‘Metal Box’ has never quite been assimilated in the same manner as ‘Entertainment!’ or ‘Unknown Pleasures. How do you make a t-shirt out of a tin?
John Lydon has now shocked fans by announcing that PiL will come out of hiatus for a new tour. Playing ‘Metal Box in its entirety the singer will be joined by by The Damned guitarist Lu Edmonds, former Slits drummer Bruce Smith and bassist Scott Firth – none of whom played on the actual album.
Public Image Limited have confirmed the following dates:
December
15 Birmingham O2 Academy
16 Leeds O2 Academy
18 Glasgow O2 Academy
19 Manchester Academy
21 London O2 Academy Brixton
