Public Image Ltd. End of World 45rpm 2LP

Following the sad passing of John Lydon's wife of more than four decades, Nora Forster, on April 5, 2023, Public Image Ltd. (PiL) announce their 11th studio album and first album in eight years, End of World, dedicated to John's Nora.

Earlier in the year, PiL released "Hawaii," the most personal piece of songwriting and accompanying artwork that Lydon has ever shared. The song is a love letter from John to Nora. A pensive, personal yet universal love song that has resonated with many since its release in January 2023, the song sees John reflecting on their lifetime well spent and in particular one of their happiest moments together in Hawaii.

John said, "Nora loved the album, she wouldn't have wanted us to postpone it or change any of our plans." Previously he has said of "Hawaii," "It is dedicated to everyone going through tough times on the journey of life, with the person they care for the most."

The band began writing and recording End of World in 2018, during their 40th anniversary tour. After The Great Pause, the band regrouped in the studio and "there was just this massive explosion of ideas," Lydon says. The result finds PiL set to release 13 of the best tracks they have ever written.

Celebrating their 40-year anniversary in 2018, the band is widely regarded as one of the most innovative and influential bands of all time.

PiL's music and vision has earned them five UK Top 20 singles and five UK Top 20 albums. With a shifting line-up and unique sound - fusing rock, dance, folk, pop and dub – Lydon guided the band from their debut album First Issue in 1978 through to 1992's That What Is Not, before a 17 year hiatus. Lydon reactivated PiL in 2009, touring extensively worldwide and releasing two critically acclaimed albums, This is PiL in 2012 followed by their 10th studio album What the World Needs Now… in 2015, which peaked at number 29 in the official UK album charts and picked up fantastic acclaim from both press and public.

John Lydon, Lu Edmonds, Scott Firth and Bruce Smith continue as PiL. They are the longest stable line-up in the band's history and continue to challenge and thrive.

Public Image Ltd:
John Lydon – After fronting the Sex Pistols, John Lydon formed Public Image Ltd. in 1978. Outside of PiL John has released several solo records and collaborations. He also brings quality TV to the masses. He has released two autobiographies; Rotten: No Irish, No Blacks, No Dogs in 1994 and Anger is an Energy: My Life Uncensored in 2014. He then released Mr. Rotten's Songbook in 2017, which features never before seen artwork as well as annotated song lyric sheets spanning John's entire career, all written in his own hand.

Lu Edmonds – Multi instrumentalist and former guitarist in The Damned, Lu joined PiL in 1986 recording and playing on the album Happy? and co-writing the album 9, adding yet another dimension to the PiL sound.

Bruce Smith – Drummer in The Pop Group and formerly of The Slits, Bruce became percussionist for PiL in 1986 playing and recording on the albums Happy? and 9. Seen as a drumming virtuoso, Bruce brought his unique style into the fold.

Scott Firth – A bass player/multi instrumentalist that has collaborated and played with a variety of top musicians and bands including Steve Winwood, John Martyn and Elvis Costello. Scott is the newest member of the band, having joined in 2009.

A beauteous and touching love song

Uncharacteristically soul-bearing

an understated and emotional ballad

a swooning, poignant ballad awash with memories of happier times… Lydon's love for his wife shines through like sunrays breaking through clouds, casting everything in a golden light