PiL

Having never witnessed Mr. Lydon before, I came with as open a mind as possible – not easy with his reputation… But after the first few notes of the coruscating ‘Albatross’, reminding many in the audience what an incredible song and album that came from (Metal Box aka Second Edition), it was apparent that this was going to be good… With the aid of the excellent guitarist Lu Edmonds, who stayed largely faithful to the original sound, and a solid rhythm section, Lydon led proceedings, delivering a highly controlled and powerful vocal performance… For a man once derided as talentless, his voice is his tool, an indiosyncratic style and sound that he had to keep in check with continuous mouthfuls of what looked like brandy and water. Running through pretty much all their greatest moments; ‘Public Image’, ‘Rise’, ‘Happy’, ‘This Is Not A Love Song’, ‘Death Disco’ et al, there were also some excellent tunes from the last album, demonstrating Lydon’s continued skill as a lyricist and a man who isn’t able to mellow with age. The band danced things up considerably, and by the end the feelgood factor was high and rising. Outstanding no-nonsense, leftfield rock’n’roll.

Concert Hall, Brighton Dome, 27 June 2013
Rating:
Jeff Hemmings