The Return Of PiL

The punk pioneer who first terrorized the world in the 1970s as the inimitable Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols, told London’s Guardian he is re-forming PiL although the band will not include original members Jah Wobble or Keith Levene.

Instead, the 2009 version of PiL will feature former band members Lu Edmonds on guitar, Bruce Smith on drums and newbie Scott Firth as a “multi-instrumentalist.”

Right now the resurrected Public Image Ltd. has only five U.K. shows on the books – Dec. 15 in Birmingham at the O2 Academy; Dec. 16 in Leeds at the O2 Academy; Dec. 18 in Glasgow at the O2 Academy; Dec. 19 in Manchester at Manchester Academy and Dec. 21 in London at O2 Academy Brixton.

Although Lydon has headed multiple Sex Pistols reunion outings, this will be the first time he’s re-formed PiL.

But then, he’s been busy, what with being his usual outspoken self. Plus, he’s been taking his own public image to new heights during the past few years.

Like appearing on “I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here” in 2004, and starring in a series of TV commercials selling Country Life Butter in which the punkster wore a traditional tweed suit while telling viewers it’s “Not about Great Britain, it’s about great butter.”

At the age of 53 Lydon is still good for an outrageous quote or two. Talking about the Internet, Lydon indicated what he Googles for when he said, “My eyesight’s gone. They drive me insane. How many mpegs of saucy goings-on do you have to squint at before you learn this is no good?”

Lydon also had a few comments about today’s youth, describing them as “mouthy and aggressive.”

“You’re all terrified of your youth,” Lydon said. “You’re not allowed to give them a clip around the ear and send them home.”

Please click here for the complete Guardian article.