Review: Billy Geary
Photo Credit: Charlyn Cameron

By the time John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) had made it to Melbourne’s Palace Theatre, the walking headline had left in his wake a storm of controversy. From a supposed misogynistic rant to dodgy sushi, Lydon knows the easiest way to drum up media coverage. Sure it’s not necessarily painting him in a good light, but the result was the same: ‘Bad press is still press.’

Whatever your feelings towards the man’s persona, when he gets on stage with his band mates in Public Image Ltd. his digressions are forgotten – instead getting a sense of just how much Lydon still enjoys music. This was made abundantly clear upon the release of their latest album This Is PiL last year, which garnered a good showing tonight.

The setlist is a thorough mix of PiL’s back catalogue, giving a number of new songs a run as well as airing out the old classics. Spanning genres such as 80s synth pop to straight up alternative rock, PiL are able to get bodies moving with ease. Those that aren’t moving are too busy watching Lydon’s every move as he saunters over the stage into an array of poses. Between songs the man is just as captivating, his social commentary proving every bit as entertaining as the music.

Single ‘One Drop’ from their 2012 release is probably the best of the new cuts, its mantra like chorus and off kilter beat easily fitting amongst the band’s older tracks. PiL’s biggest hits such as ‘Death Disco’ and ‘This Is Not a Love Song’ get huge responses from the very full Palace crowd towards the end of the set, with plenty singing back word for word.

Returning for an encore that included ‘Out of the Woods’ and ‘Rise,’ that latter in particular seeing a huge roar of approval from the crowd. Lydon and Co. clearly feeding off the crowd’s energy and using it to spur them on through the last few songs. In fact, the scintillating rendition of ‘Rise’ gives those in the room a glimpse of Rotten at his peak – the anger fuelled energy coming out for an all too brief period.

Finishing with an outstanding cover of Leftfield’s ‘Open Up,’ PiL had clearly won over the entire room. Most importantly however, Lydon’s showmanship and talent as a front man was on clear display. Those that were in attendance on Thursday would have seen a man who just wants to get his music and message out there, rather than the persona built up by media. Analysed from a purely musical and entertainment perspective, PiL showed they can match it with just about anyone.

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** Read our Live Review of PiL (Public Image Ltd) at The Hi-Fi, Brisbane – April 9th, 2013 **

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