Public Image Ltd, the post-punk band created by John Lydon after the dissolution of the Sex Pistols, has been announced as an improbable Eurovision contender. Here is how they may represent Ireland when the show visits the United Kingdom in May.
John Lydon and his band, Public Image Ltd, are candidates to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest (PiL).
The former Sex Pistols leader, who created PiL in 1978 after the trailblazing band disbanded, is one of six performers competing for the Eurovision opportunity. Yhe winner will be determined in February by a combination of the national jury, international jury, and public voting.
Hawaii, the sad song submitted by PiL, is characterized as a love letter to Lydon’s wife of more than four decades, Nora, who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
In the song, Lydon, better known as Johnny Rotten, muses on their years spent together. Also one of their happiest times in Hawaii.
The performer stated that the song is the closest he will ever get to exposing his soul. “It is dedicated to everyone going through difficult times on life’s path with their closest loved one,” he added in a statement.
It is also a message of hope that love ultimately triumphs above all.
Remember Celine Dion and Gina G?
While Lydon’s parents were from Ireland, Eurovision has never had nationality requirements for participants. You may recall Canadian superstar Celine Dion winning for Switzerland in 1988. Or Australian Gina G representing the United Kingdom with a number-one hit. Ooh, Aah… A Small Amount in 1996.
The Eurovision Song Contest rules specify that there cannot be more than six performers on stage. However, it is up to the participating broadcaster from each nation to determine how they are selected.
This year’s competition takes place in May in Liverpool.
Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra won the tournament in 2022. But organizers deemed it hazardous to hold the 2023 competition there owing to the ongoing civil war.
The United Kingdom has yet to reveal its possible applicants.
In addition to PiL, the other acts competing for Ireland are Edgy, Connolly, Wild Youth, Leila Jane, and K Muni & ND.
Even though Lydon is likely still best recognized for his work with the Sex Pistols, PiL, with changing line-ups, has been active for far longer than the two and a half years his initial band was together.
PiL has achieved five UK top 20 singles and five UK top 20 albums since its formation in the late 1970s. Following the release of their eighth studio album, That What Is Not, in 1992. The band disbanded for 17 years before rejoining in 2009.
Later in 2023, the release of a new album, their first since 2015, is anticipated.
Since 2018, Ireland has not qualified for the Eurovision final. Despite having won the competition seven times, the most of any country.
On Friday, February 3, RTE will air a special Eurosong episode of Ireland’s Late Late Show including performances by the six competing acts.
