In celebration of their 40th Anniversary, JOHN LYDON’s PUBLIC IMAGE LTD (PiL) are on the road with THE PUBLIC IMAGE IS ROTTEN: NORTH AMERICAN TOUR, kicking off in New Orleans on Tuesday, October 9. Also, THE PUBLIC IMAGE IS ROTTEN is a new career–spanning box set that was released, alongside a new documentary film of the same name, which will be screening in select cites to coincide with PiL’s North American fall tour. Toronto screening date is October 6, 2018 at Hot Docs Cinema.

Widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential bands of all time, PiL’s music and vision earned them 5 UK Top 20 singles and 5 UK Top 20 albums. With a shifting line-up and unique sound, JOHN LYDON guided the band from their debut album ‘First Issue’ in 1978 through to 1992’s ‘That What Is Not’. After a 17-year hiatus, LYDON reactivated PiL in 2009 by taking them back on the road worldwide.

JOHN LYDON, LU EDMONDS, SCOTT FIRTH and BRUCE SMITH continue as PiL and remain the longest stable line-up in the band’s history.

PUBLIC IMAGE LTD is: 

John Lydon – After fronting the Sex Pistols, John Lydon formed Public Image Ltd in 1978.  Outside of PiL John has released several solo records and collaborations. He also brings quality TV to the masses and has recently released the autobiography ‘Anger is an Energy: My Life Uncensored’.

Lu Edmonds –Multi instrumentalist and former guitarist inThe Damned,Lu joinedPiLin 1986 recording and playing on the album ‘Happy?’and co-writing the album‘9’,adding yet another dimension to thePiLsound.

Bruce Smith – Drummer in The Pop Group and formerly of The Slits Bruce became percussionist for PiL in 1986 playing and recording on the albums ‘Happy?’ and ‘9’. Seen as a drumming virtuoso, Bruce brought his unique style into the fold.

Scott Firth – A bass player/multi instrumentalist that has collaborated and played with a variety of top musicians and bands including Steve Winwood, John Martyn and Elvis Costello.

Public Image Limited perform Oct 19, 2018 – Lee’s Palace, 528 Bloor Street West, Toronto

Catch THE PUBLIC IMAGE IS ROTTEN film on Oct 6th at Hot Docs Cinema in Toronto.

The career-spanning, new music documentary on the band THE PUBLIC IMAGE IS ROTTEN from Abramorama and Verisimilitude, tells the story of music icon John Lydon and his pioneering group PUBLIC IMAGE LTD (PiL)with a level of depth and intimacy never-before-seen. Loaded with electrifying archival performance and interview footage, the film features in-depth interviews with JOHN LYDON,former and current PUBLIC IMAGE LTD bandmates, as well as Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Ad-Rock (Beastie Boys) and Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth) among others.

The Public Image is Rotten – Screening Oct 6, 2018 – Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema 506 Bloor Street West, Toronto

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.