Biography

Public Image Ltd. (PiL) originally were a quartet led by singer John Lydon (formerly Johnny Rotten, born January 31, 1956). They were formed in the wake of the 1978 breakup of Lydon's former group, the Sex Pistols. For the most part, they devoted themselves to droning, slow-tempo, bass-heavy noise rock, overlaid by Lydon's distinctive, vituperative rant. As the decades progressed, so did P.I.L.'s sound, embracing the early-'90s alternative rock movement with a more commercial sheen, though Lydon's lyrics and persona remained respectfully nihilistic. After completing his memoirs in late 1993, Lydon decided to put an end to PiL and pursue a solo career. ~ William Ruhlmann

Top Tracks

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• Acid Drops

• Annalisa

• Careering

• Death Disco

• Disappointed

• Fff

• Flowers Of Romance

• Four Enclosed Walls

• Happy?

• Memories

• Poptones

• Public Image

• Rise

• Rules And Regulations

• Seattle

• The Body

• The Order Of Death

• The Suit

• Theme

• Think Tank

• This Is Not A Love Song

• Warrior

Discography

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• That What Is Not

  Virgin

  1992

• 9

  Virgin / Alliance

  1989

• Happy?

  Griffin / Griffin

  1987

• Album

  Elektra

  1986

• This Is What You Want...This Is What You Get

  EMI Music Distribution

  1984

• Live in Tokyo

  EMI

  1983

• The Flowers of Romance

  Warner Bros.

  1981

• Paris au Printemps

  EMI Music Distribution

  1980

• Second Edition

  Warner Bros.

  1980

• Metal Box

  EMI Music Distribution

  1979

• Public Image: First Issue

  EMI Music Distribution

  1978