Who would have thought that John Lydon—better known as Johnny Rotten—could still command a crowd 50 years after igniting punk rock’s explosive debut? Yet, on the intimate and atmospheric stage of The Foundry in Torquay, PIL (Public Image Ltd) proved that age is merely a number and rebellion remains ageless.

The evening kicked off with support from London’s very own The Gulps, a band renowned for fusing furious indie rock with catchy power pop. With their unmistakable Mediterranean ferocity and a “disco punk” swagger, The Gulps set a gorgeously unpredictable tone for the night. Their high-energy assault on the senses was the perfect appetizer, priming an audience a mix of old-school punks and curious new fans for what was to follow.

At exactly 9 pm, PIL took to the stage, immediately reminding everyone why their legacy of defiance and innovation endures. Dressed in a striking ensemble—complete with trademark spiky hair, an oversized green check jacket, green baggy trousers, and a red shirt boasting a symbolic new logo—John Lydon looked every bit the icon. He later shed light on the design, revealing it as a tribute to loss and the enduring sting of grief—a theme as raw and real as the music itself.

The set opened with the ferocious pulse of "The Order of Death," setting the pace for a running commentary on rock’s power and vulnerability. Songs like "(This is Not a) Love Song", "Rise", and the self-titled "Public Image" swept through the room with laser-sharp clarity—each riff and lyric, a reminder of the band’s uncompromising musicianship. Lydon’s delivery was a masterclass in expressive, almost animated storytelling; his piercing stare and rhythmic jaw movements conveyed every ounce of the emotion driving the music. Even when a stray spit—courtesy of an overenthusiastic, albeit misguided, fan from the balcony—made an unwanted appearance, Lydon’s command of the moment never wavered. It was, after all, part of the unpredictable energy that defines a live PIL show.

A standout moment came during "Shoom," when Lydon rallied the crowd into a sweary call-and-response, akin to the way that Freddie Mercury from Queen would have done back in the day. The intimacy of The Foundry allowed the audience to pour every bit of their punk-spirited loyalty into this shared moment, blurring the lines between performer and fan.

Throughout the set, the band’s performance was a tour de force of tight musicianship and heartfelt, unapologetic attitude. Every note rang clear in a venue packed with devoted punks—both those who remembered the wild early days and younger believers eager to witness the living legend of rock ‘n’ roll in action.

In an era when so much of rock seems to have lost its impact, PIL’s performance was a reminder that pioneering spirit is far from extinct. “This Is Not the Last Tour” isn’t just a tagline—it’s a promise that, as long as there are people hungry for raw energy and rebellious inspiration, PIL will continue to redefine what it means to rock.

The night was one of continuity, evolution, and the continuous power of music that refuses to be silenced. For anyone craving a taste of genuine, unfiltered rock, this live experience is one for the history books.

Words - Steve Sutton

Pictures - Steve Muscutt

Setlist

The Order of Death

Home is Where the Heart Is

Know Now

Deeper Water

Time Zone

(This is Not a) Love Song

Poptones

Death Disco

Flowers of Romance