Public Image Ltd.

Public Image Ltd.

Public Image Ltd., often abbreviated to PiL, is a post-punk group from London, United Kingdom, formed in 1978 and active from that point onward. The band begins with John Lydon on vocals, following his time with the Sex Pistols, alongside Keith Levene on guitar and Jah Wobble on bass. Its early lineup changes over time, and by 1983 the group becomes a revolving project centred on Lydon.

Style and influences

PiL is often described as one of the more challenging and innovative bands of the post-punk era. Lydon says he wants to create an anti-rock band, and the group draws on a broad set of influences, including Can, Captain Beefheart, Tim Buckley and a range of dub artists. Their listed styles include post-punk, new wave, alternative dance, alternative rock, art punk, dub, experimental rock, krautrock, punk and experimental music.

Line-up changes and later members

Martin Atkins joins in 1979 as the band’s approach develops. Over the years, the line-up includes Jim Walker, Richard Dudanski, Karl Burns, Steve New, Pete Jones, Arthur Stead, Tommy Zvoncheck, Jebin Bruni, Bill Laswell, Lu Edmonds, Bruce Smith, Allan Dias, John McGeoch, Mike Joyce, Russell Webb and Scott Firth, among others. The group’s membership remains fluid, with Lydon as the constant figure.

Albums and key periods

The band’s later 1980s and early 1990s work moves toward a more conventional sound while keeping Lydon’s sharp lyrics. The album Album — also known as Compact Disc or Cassette, depending on format — is recorded with studio musicians organised by producer Bill Laswell and is regarded as a high point of this period. PiL reaches its greatest commercial success with 9, released in 1989/1990.

Break-up and reformations

PiL continues as a Lydon-led project until 1993, when Lydon disbands the group. The final line-up includes Ted Chau on guitar and keyboards, Mike Joyce on drums, John McGeoch on guitar and Russel Webb on bass. The band later reforms with earlier members Bruce Smith and Lu Edmonds and plays a series of Christmas shows in the UK.

Later work

This Is PiL, the band’s first album in 20 years, is recorded at Steve Winwood’s studio in a barn in the Cotswolds in southern England and appears in 2012. The group is associated with the label PiL.