While he probably will, inevitably, always be known as the vocalist for legendary punk group the Sex Pistols first and foremost, John Lydon (formerly Johnny Rotten) was really only in that band for its original short but massively influential three-year stint, returning for a couple of reunions in the ’90s and ’00s, but not in close to 20 years, and never for another album besides their 1977 debut. By contrast, his post-Sex Pistols outift, the more experimental and genre-bending Public Image Ltd, which formed in 1978, stayed active until 1992, and have been active once more since 2009, have been a much more dependable and prolific force (even with a revolving door of members, with Lydon as its only constant), having released 11 studio albums over the years, and with a new one on the way in 2027.
Trailblazers in the post-punk space, the band’s earliest efforts were some of their boldest, most experimental, and abrasive, with a shift towards a bit more accessible and commerical sound throughout the ’80s. Following their 2009 reunion, after being absent most of the ’90s and ’00s, Public Image Ltd had a pretty active start to the beginning of the 2010s, touring and releasing a couple of albums in that time again, but slowed down a bit once more heading into the 2020s. Despite a 2023 11th LP, End of World, the band hadn’t toured in several years, and it wasn’t clear if they ever would again, following the passing of Lydon’s wife, Nora, and lifelong friend and manager, John Rambo Stevens.
However, the legendary frontman (who’s courted some controversy in recent years due to his political views), managed to regroup for some shows in the UK and Europe last year, prompting a return to North America for their first trek of the continent since 2018, dubbed This Is Not…The Last PiL Tour. Though the tour has already been extended with another run in February and March, the fall leg (which has been met with rave reviews) concludes right here in Nashville tonight, Oct. 9 for a performance at Brooklyn Bowl with West Coast punks Plague Vendor. Not just a rare chance to see one of the most legendary figures in punk, with his project that perhaps doesn’t get enough due, but as far we can tell, this is the first Public Image Ltd show in Nashville ever, making it feel all the more essential (even on this busy night of shows). Get tickets here while they last!
Public Image Ltd. and Plague Vendor perform tonight, Oct. 9 at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville. The show is 18+, begins at 8 p.m. (doors at 7 p.m.), and tickets are available for $53.70.
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