Music / Reviews
Review: Public Image Ltd, O2 – ‘Emotional stuff’
They say the old ones are the best and John Lydon proved that’s the case at the O2 Academy.
The 69-year-old former Sex Pistols frontman headed to Bristol to kick off his long-time band Public Image Ltd’s ‘This Is Not The Last Tour’ and, oh my, he certainly showed he’s still got it.
There was talk that the ageing punk may call it quits on the touring front in the wake of the deaths of wife Nora and manager John ‘Rambo’ Stevens but thankfully this force of nature clearly isn’t ready to shy away from the spotlight.
is needed now More than ever
And, after a shaky, nervy start to proceedings, Lydon bounced back in all-singing, all-dancing style as he led PiL through a storming set – a mad opera floating above a tight rhythm section.
Still got it… the former Sex Pistol was on fine form as he kicked off his tour in Bristol, despite rumours he might be ready to call it a day
Lydon, who became the face of punk rock in the chaotic 1970s alongside Sid Vicious, still looks the part with an oversize green tartan suit – about as big as David Bryne’s iconic Stop Making Sense outfit but much more garish, a bit like his Union Jack tie.
He’s always been an eye-catching one-off on the sartorial front and so the start of PiL’s 23-date national tour showed some things never change – just like his on-stage presence.
“There’s too much sadness around at the moment, so let’s make up for it,” he said as the show opened before reaching for a bottle of brandy after the first tune and then promptly gobbing it out into a makeshift bucket.
He even brought along a handkerchief “for his snotty nose” and there was a lectern for a book of his lyrics to ensure he didn’t miss a bit or forget his words – a vivid reminder that Father Time catches up with everyone.
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“We prepared a lovely f**ing set for you…..but we forgot it,” Lydon told his audience, all gallows humour before having a go at our Prime Minister, with a “F**k off, Kier Starmer” which showed where his political affiliations lie.
There was lots of good natured stuff as well, like introducing a new PiL member: “Say hello to Mark (Roberts), our new drummer….you’ll soon be as shit as the rest of us”.
And there was the teasing little dig at Bristolians after a singalong: ‘That’s disappointing because we were expecting so much more of you – but it’s only Bristol, isn’t it?”
Like his audience, Lydon warmed up as he moved through the gears and was brilliantly supported by ex-Massive Attack drummer Roberts and co.
But the audience only had eyes for Lydon as one punter shouted: “We love you John – you’re a legend.” She wasn’t wrong.
Lydon certainly lived up to expectations when it came to the music. His voice is as strong as ever despite his own misgivings: “I’m a bit out of tune here but I’ll get it right with a bit of support.”
And he did with a string of powerfully delivered songs, most notably crowd-pleasing Time Zone – World Destruction (with Afrika Bambaataa), This Is Not A Love Song, Public Image and, during his encore after a well-earned rest, a barn-storming Rise.
Amid these four bangers, the depth of PiL’s back catalogue showed we need to make the most of golden oldies like Lydon while they’re still going strong, a bit like the arthritic dancers dotted around audience.
And how Lydon continues to surprise. Job done, he headed off patting his heart (footballer-style) to show how much this all means to him. It was emotional stuff for everyone, including this national treasure.
All images: Rob Stewart
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