Public Image Ltd | |
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 PiL performing in 2013 | |
| Background information | |
| Also known as |
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| Origin | London, England |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1978–1992, 2009–present |
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| Members | |
| Past members |
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| Website | pilofficial |
Public Image Ltd (abbreviated and stylized as PiL) are an English post-punk band formed by lead vocalist John Lydon (previously, as Johnny Rotten, lead vocalist of Sex Pistols), guitarist Keith Levene (a founding member of The Clash), bassist Jah Wobble, and drummer Jim Walker in May 1978. The group's line-up has changed frequently over the years; Lydon has been the sole constant member.
Following Lydon's departure from the Sex Pistols in January 1978, he sought a more experimental "anti-rock" project and formed PiL.[6][7] That year PiL released their debut studio album First Issue (1978), creating an abrasive, bass-heavy sound that drew on dub, noise, progressive rock and disco.[8][9] PiL's second studio album Metal Box (1979) pushed their sound further into the avant-garde, and is often regarded as one of the most important albums of the post-punk era.
By 1984, Levene, Wobble and Walker had departed and the group was effectively a solo vehicle for Lydon, who moved toward a more accessible sound with the commercially successful studio albums This Is What You Want... This Is What You Get (1984) and Album (1986).[10] After a late 1990s hiatus, Lydon reformed the group in 2009 and has released several further albums, including What the World Needs Now... (2015).
- ^ Szemere, Anna (1998). Pop Culture, Politics, and Social Transition. University of California, San Diego. p. 243.
- ^ McCormick, Neil (10 September 2015). "John Lydon: 'Robin Williams was my kindred spirit'". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022.
- ^ Stokes, Paul (7 September 2009). "John Lydon revives PiL for winter shows – ticket details". NME.
- ^ Jones, Simon (1988). Black culture, white youth: the reggae tradition from JA to UK. Macmillan Education. p. 96. ISBN 978-0-333-45254-7.
- ^ Reynolds, Simon (July 1996). "Krautrock". Melody Maker.
- ^ Reynolds, Simon (2012). UK Post-Punk: Faber Forty-Fives: 1977–1982. Faber & Faber.
- ^ Reynolds, Simon (November 2007). "Heavy Metal". Frieze Magazine. Archived from the original on 8 January 2008. Retrieved 15 January 2008.
- ^ Lewis, Uncle Dave. "Public Image: First Issue – Public Image Ltd. | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards | AllMusic". AllMusic. Retrieved 9 September 2013.
- ^ Deming, Mark. "Public Image Ltd. | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved 5 May 2010.
- ^ Metal Box - Public Image Ltd., AllMusic