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Customer Reviews for Public Image Limited

Public Image Limited

Read Public Image Limited concert reviews and post your own reviews and ratings.

Average rating:

4.6

(70 Reviews) 70

Rating Snapshot (70 reviews)

5 stars

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68 of 70(97%)customers would recommend this to a friend.

Public Image Limited Fan Reviews - Ticketmaster

Review 1 for Public Image Limited

5 / 5

Far from bitter PiL

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Sat 11 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: A stunning version of Albatross from Metal Box. @

Opening act(s): None, despite the tickets saying "with special guests". @

Posted 17/08/2012

by freewheelingfrankie

Featured Review

What a fantastic band John Lydon has (re)assembled. They started off with a drastically reworked and improved This Is Not A Love Song and continued with most of the new album and a fair number of oldies, the latter, however, including nothing from the later period of PiL when current guitarist Lu Edmonds and drummer Bruce Smith were previously in the band - but then frankly the new album This is PiL is their best since Album. Most favoured old albums were Metal Box and Album but they're emphatically NOT just a nostalgia act and obviously mean to be including a lot of new material for the foreseeable future.

John Lydon has obviously invested both money and effort in some serious voice training and has gained a lot of power as well as improving his pitching but the whole band were absolutely cooking, the rhythm section are rock solid while Lu Edmonds sprays out amazing psychedelic guitar (and various other stringed instruments). I expected them to be good but this was stunning, the only downside was a slightly murky mix.

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Sat 11 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: A stunning version of Albatross from Metal Box. @

Opening act(s): None, despite the tickets saying "with special guests". @

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Review 2 for Public Image Limited

5 / 5

PIL

HMV Ritz @

- Manchester @

- Tue 7 Aug 2012 @

Posted 15/08/2012

by PUUP

GR8 NIGHT OUT. NO-ONE COULD ACCUSE JOHN LYDON OF NOT GIVING IT EVERYTHING!! HE BELTS IT OUT BETTER THAN SOME PEOPLE HALF HIS AGE!!

HMV Ritz @

- Manchester @

- Tue 7 Aug 2012 @

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Review 3 for Public Image Limited

5 / 5

PIL HMV Forum London

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Sat 11 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: when he chucked the security guards out, and Flowers of Romance @

Posted 14/08/2012

by Helen25263

Location:suffolk

Absolutely amazing gig, with awesome sound. John Lydon was like a modern operatic singer, with a band playing interesting musical instruments , excellent musicianship and a good range of old and new songs. Best gig I've been to for a long time

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Sat 11 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: when he chucked the security guards out, and Flowers of Romance @

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Review 4 for Public Image Limited

5 / 5

PIL THE MIRACLE CURE

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Sat 11 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: all @

Opening act(s): PIL @

Posted 13/08/2012

by birdbrain12

Location:clacton on sea

No words can describe the gig. Best band ever. Value for money. Venue absolutely brill

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Sat 11 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: all @

Opening act(s): PIL @

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Review 5 for Public Image Limited

4 / 5

Johnny does good

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Sat 11 Aug 2012 @

Posted 13/08/2012

by peckhamgull

PIL were on excellent form blending new & old material really well & sounding extremely relevant to young and old alike. Lydon even had time to tell security to bog off for being over bearing. Nice one Johnny

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Sat 11 Aug 2012 @

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Review 6 for Public Image Limited

5 / 5

PiL back in force and better than ever

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Sat 11 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: All of it!!! @

Posted 13/08/2012

by Thingemebob

Location:Oxford

Brilliant re-entry back into the music world, he should be made a Sir!

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Sat 11 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: All of it!!! @

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Review 7 for Public Image Limited

5 / 5

PiL win Olympic Gold.

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Sat 11 Aug 2012 @

Posted 13/08/2012

by Tibet

Location:London

In the aftermath of the depressing betrayal of invention and innovation that the closing ceremony of the Olympics represented (particularly after the rousing and daring opening ceremony) it was beyond doubt that PiL were going to save the weekend.
Had I not seen this glorious performance on the saturday night, the events of sunday evening would have truly crushed my spirit. Despite the atrocity exhibition that promised to showcase British music and yet banish all but the most commercial of radio playlisting, it was heartening to see Lydon and Public Image Limited delivering their powerful set with such blistering intensity and white hot passion.
The new material shone with positive energy and underpinned the vintage PiL with complimentary textures and lyrical dexterity. 'The Flowers of Romance' felt as fresh and tribal as the day I first heard it so many years ago, 'Bags' and 'Chant' made brilliant companion pieces and the finale 'Open Up' with its rebel cry of "Burn!, Hollywood, Burn!" was so emotionally empowering that conflagration seemed inevitable. Lydon's voice was astonishingly clear and confident and he is sounding better than ever. 'Religion' provided the platform for the full range of bile and delivery and remains as angry and confrontational as ever.
No longer performing the anthemic 'Public Image', they really don't need to, 'One Drop' is the new anthem and we've not even heard some of the standout tracks from 'This Is PiL' performed live.
PiL really are on form and reveal the folly of music as commodity, the only thing evident on sunday night.

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Sat 11 Aug 2012 @

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Review 8 for Public Image Limited

5 / 5

Great

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Sat 11 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: Swan lake @

Posted 13/08/2012

by Karmela

Location:London

PIL is a great example of how a man with money can do the kind of music he likes whiout worring about selling.
Great concert, no commercial at all with lots of new material as well as new versions of the old material.
Jonny is in great shape, great voice and fantastic band.

HMV Forum @

- London @

- Sat 11 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: Swan lake @

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Review 9 for Public Image Limited

5 / 5

PiL were FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!

HMV Ritz @

- Manchester @

- Tue 7 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: This is not a Love Song. @

Setlist: Luv Song, Deeper Water, Albatross, Reggie Song, Disappointed, Warrior, Flowers of Romance, Lollipop, Death Disco, Bags / Chant, Religion, Out of the Woods, One Drop, Rise, Open Up. @

Opening act(s): Was in the pub so missed them, sorry. @

Posted 11/08/2012

by Anonymous

Location:Manchester

I had been looking forward to this gig as I last saw them in 1992. I was not let down. Not only did they play some classics they had some new tracks like Lollipop Opera and One Drop. Even though they didn't play Public Image I was not disappointed. Lets hope Jonny gets some more "Country Life" adverts so he can fund another album and tour. Brilliant!!!!!!!

HMV Ritz @

- Manchester @

- Tue 7 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: This is not a Love Song. @

Setlist: Luv Song, Deeper Water, Albatross, Reggie Song, Disappointed, Warrior, Flowers of Romance, Lollipop, Death Disco, Bags / Chant, Religion, Out of the Woods, One Drop, Rise, Open Up. @

Opening act(s): Was in the pub so missed them, sorry. @

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Review 10 for Public Image Limited

5 / 5

pil

HMV Ritz @

- Manchester @

- Tue 7 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: flowers of romance
Open up @

Posted 09/08/2012

by VivienneDivine1

Location:Oldham

Amazing gig john at his best the olympics best show on earth sod that pil are

HMV Ritz @

- Manchester @

- Tue 7 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: flowers of romance
Open up @

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Review 11 for Public Image Limited

5 / 5

Absolutely fantastic!!!!!

HMV Ritz @

- Manchester @

- Tue 7 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: From start to finish! @

Posted 09/08/2012

by AliNye

Location:Cardiff

I bought the tickets for my boyfriend who has been a huge fan since his teens but didn't know what to expect myself. But after seeing PiL on tues night I can't wait to go again! In fact we are booking tickets to go again on Monday to Bristol and taking my 16 year old son who I think will also enjoy. A fantastic night enjoyed by an old fan and also by a new fan!!!

HMV Ritz @

- Manchester @

- Tue 7 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: From start to finish! @

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Review 12 for Public Image Limited

1 / 5

PIL - 'Disappointed.'

Wulfrun Hall @

- Wolverhampton @

- Fri 3 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: Flowers of Romance. @

Posted 06/08/2012

by Astrocat

Location:Worcester

Let's get this straight, I love PIL and Lydon is always good value for money. Not this time. Sound quality was poor and there was very, very little of the old stuff. I wouldn't have minded them playing new material but it's tuneless and each track is far too long. The older numbers he they did play stood head and shoulders above everything else. Sorry guys, it's the only concert I've walked out of early.

Wulfrun Hall @

- Wolverhampton @

- Fri 3 Aug 2012 @

Favourite moment: Flowers of Romance. @

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Review 13 for Public Image Limited

5 / 5

PIL -Camden Electric Ballroom.

Electric Ballroom @

- London @

- Tue 22 Dec 2009 @

Posted 29/12/2009

by charlief

Location:London

Almost 17 years since I last saw PIL play live and what a treat. Following hard on the back of The Specials in Southend what a sensational way to finish 2009.

Electric Ballroom @

- London @

- Tue 22 Dec 2009 @

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Review 14 for Public Image Limited

4 / 5

PIL baddass

Electric Ballroom @

- London @

- Wed 23 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: religion @

Posted 26/12/2009

by mikesutra2

Location:W10

PIL were as powerful & mesmerising as ever. John Lydon has the pre requisite stage presence to keep the audience enthralled for 2 hours. His band were obviously talented musicians & seemed to enjoy themselves more than the audience who as over 40s were pretty tame.

The bulk of the set was early material which for me represents what PIL were all about. Highly original, extremely catchy, driven rhythms that were the product of musical geniuses. PILs music was forged at a time when it was expected of a musician to do as he pleased due to the lifting of pretension caused by the ideals of punk.

In other words in 1979 John put together a set of talented musicians who instead of conforming & trying to make another 'poppy little number' were allowed & encouraged to do as they liked. Total musical freedom of expression wouldn't come up again for people of that calibre. The punk era was an one off & has not been repeated. So they produced I would say avant garde music that trancends time.

At the Electric ballroom this music was still a force to be reckoned with but was not carried off as well as one would hope. For example the bass although loud & present was a little woolly & lost a lot of it's magical presence. In a proper PIL mix the bass line is the track & the vocals & guitar meanderings are decoration at the top end. John spent more time searching for the the high notes when all he needed to do was stay with his powerful lyrical poetry. I'd have been happy if he'd have just stared at the audience with his "I know more than all of you put together look" & recited the entire catalogue!

Rick Mayall once said in the young ones " I am the peoples poet " but really John Lydon is ours.

Electric Ballroom @

- London @

- Wed 23 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: religion @

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Review 15 for Public Image Limited

4 / 5

PiLage!

O2 Academy Birmingham @

- Birmingham @

- Tue 15 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: First half of set @

Setlist: Public Image, Pop Tones, Albatross, Hyme's Hymn, Careering, This Is Not A Love Song @

Opening act(s): Missed 'em! @

Posted 25/12/2009

by Bunnygod

Just fantastic. Lydon and band were on form, drawing material from the first three albums for the first half of the set. Thoroughly recommended.

O2 Academy Birmingham @

- Birmingham @

- Tue 15 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: First half of set @

Setlist: Public Image, Pop Tones, Albatross, Hyme's Hymn, Careering, This Is Not A Love Song @

Opening act(s): Missed 'em! @

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Review 16 for Public Image Limited

5 / 5

PIL

Electric Ballroom @

- London @

- Tue 22 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: Poptones @

Posted 24/12/2009

by Oilymoyle

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Electric Ballroom @

- London @

- Tue 22 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: Poptones @

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Review 17 for Public Image Limited

5 / 5

Manchester Academy @

- Manchester @

- Sat 19 Dec 2009 @

Posted 24/12/2009

by Anonymous

Jonny has still got it. ...................................

Manchester Academy @

- Manchester @

- Sat 19 Dec 2009 @

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Review 18 for Public Image Limited

5 / 5

PIL at thevelectric ballroom camden

O2 Academy Brixton @

- London @

- Tue 22 Dec 2009 @

Posted 24/12/2009

by dylanthefunk

Smaller venue awesome gig Johnny's Back. The beer was well priced as well.Nice

O2 Academy Brixton @

- London @

- Tue 22 Dec 2009 @

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Review 19 for Public Image Limited

4 / 5

Public image Rock

O2 Academy Brixton @

- London @

- Tue 22 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: Religion @

Posted 24/12/2009

by mikesutra2

Location:W10

At the Electric ballroom this music was still a force to be reckoned with but was not carried off as well as one would hope. For example the bass although loud & present was a little woolly & lost a lot of it's magical presence. In a proper PIL mix the bass line is the track & the vocals & guitar meanderings are decoration at the top end. John spent more time searching for the the high notes when all he needed to do was stay with his powerful poetry. I'd have been happy if he'd have just stared at the audience with his "I know more than all of you put together look" & recited the entire catalogue!

Rick Mayall once said in the young ones " I am the peoples poet " but really John Lydon is ours.

O2 Academy Brixton @

- London @

- Tue 22 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: Religion @

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Review 20 for Public Image Limited

5 / 5

Pil - dubbin' brilliant!!

O2 Academy Brixton @

- London @

- Mon 21 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: Religon! with the bass to max... and Analisa... oh and Open Up... and Dissapointed... @

Posted 24/12/2009

by AstroPunk

Location:Preston

I am not a gig reviewer so this will be an audience member who just liked the gig speaking!
OK, first off the sound was really excellent so well done to everyone involved - I'd seen Mortorhead recently and the bass was so much more intense than that, like a dub dj's wet dream. He certainly likes his bass!
Pil themselves were very tight and really excellent - the guitarist was very versatile, reproducing all the styles Pil has had over the years - as was the bassist and the drummer was excellent too. And Mr Lydon himself was as ever the showman and here in this band you can understand his singing style as it really is, unique (at the time he started out at any rate, now many have copied though I think missed the point) and it is actually very considered. He opened by announcing due to the weather all those who hadnt been able to make it could get to the Camden gig, which certainly set the tone.
In fact, overall it is easy to see why he would prefer to play in this band than in the other - this is his musical vision and it shows; overtones of dub reggae, Can (and other early 70s experimental music) and experimental music in general married to his personal observations and thoughts. This band truly does have a real musical contribution and here, rather than in his more successful former band (who a friend took me to see last year and were a cabaret act), the music was really venturing to new territories.
The whole Pil back cataloug was explored; Public Image, Careering, Death Disco, Flowers of Romance, This is not a Love Song, Rise, Black Rubber Bag, Dissapointed, Warrior, USL1, Analisa and Religon and Open up and Sun thrown in for very good measure (there were lots more you know a full 2 hours, full set list on Pil website). All of them excellent tunes.

O2 Academy Brixton @

- London @

- Mon 21 Dec 2009 @

Favourite moment: Religon! with the bass to max... and Analisa... oh and Open Up... and Dissapointed... @

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