PiL
| Public Image Ltd | |
|---|---|
PiL performing in 2013.
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| Background information | |
| Also known as |
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| Origin | London, England |
| Genres | |
| Years active | 1978–1992, 2009–present |
| Labels |
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| Associated acts | |
| Website | www |
| Members |
John Lydon Bruce Smith Lu Edmonds Scott Firth |
| Past members |
Keith Levene Jah Wobble Jim Walker Vivian Jackson David Humphrey Richard Dudanski Karl Burns Martin Atkins Ken Lockie Pete Jones John McGeoch Allan Dias Russell Webb |
Public Image Ltd (abbreviated as PiL) are an English post-punk band formed by singer John Lydon (a.k.a. Johnny Rotten), guitarist Keith Levene, bassist Jah Wobble, and drummer Jim Walker. The group's personnel has changed frequently over the years; Lydon has been the sole constant member.
Following the breakup of the Sex Pistols, Lydon was eager to pursue a more experimental project and formed PiL in 1978. Later that year, the group released its debut First Issue (1978), featuring an abrasive, bass-heavy sound and drawing on elements of dub, noise, and progressive rock. Their second album Metal Box (1979) pushed their sound further into the avant-garde, and is often regarded as among the most influential and challenging albums of the post-punk era.
By 1984, both Levene and Wobble had left the group, and the group came under the direction of Lydon, who released a number of further albums, including This Is What You Want... This Is What You Get (1984). After a late 1990s hiatus, Lydon reformed the group and has released several further albums, most recently What the World Needs Now... (2015).
Following the Sex Pistols' break-up in 1978, photographer Dennis Morris suggested that Lydon travel to Jamaica with him and Virgin Records head Richard Branson, where Branson would bescouting for emerging reggae musicians. Branson also flew American band Devo to Jamaica, aiming to install Lydon as lead singer in the band. Devo declined the offer.
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