Public Image Ltd - Watford Colosseum, May 1st 2026

Very few musicians can stake a claim on being a front-runner in both the Punk AND Post-Punk movements, and John Lydon is one of them.  Forming PIL in 1978, directly after his departure from The Sex Pistols, the political and social climate of the time set the tone perfectly for the group's arrival.  Riots, protests, strikes and demonstrations were rife. PIL's music seemed to represent the seismic shift in the air at the time.  Since then, they've continually transmogrified themselves, refusing to sit still for any length of time whatsoever.  John himself has often been quoted as saying that re-invention is totally essential to keep his interest fluid going forwards. 

This evening, PIL are the Colosseum at Watford, Hertfordshire.  A Town Hall style venue, though at the larger end of the scale as far as those venues are concerned.  The show starts with several songs in quick succession:-  opener "Home", then "Know Now", "Corporate", "World Destruction", and "This Is Not A Love Song".  Long-standing Guitarist (and former member of The Damned), Lu Edmonds is giving off very energetic vibes, also firing out some startling guitar licks.  There seems to be a renewed sense of playing live for PIL at present, and this is extremely evident by the vigour of their showmanship this evening.  John is on fine form vocally, wringing lots of emotion out of his voice in process.


The set is very well paced and thought out, highlighting the smorgasbord of differing sounds and flavours that the band have developed over the years. John (for him) is keeping chat to a relative minimum.  "Flowers Of Romance", "Warrior" and "Public Image" seem to stand out a lot during the mid to tail-end part of the gig.  PIL's rhythm section is very impressive, too.  Scott Firth on Bass (Since 2019) and Mark Roberts on Drums (Since 2025) incorporate rich patterns into the music, pushing when required, too. 

John tells us that he's going to walk off for a few minutes, and only if we make enough noise are PIL going to return.  The crowd doesn't take any chances.  A wide range of cheers, whoops, whistles and other sounds come forth.  PIL return with "Open Up", followed by a very extended version of "Rise". This works to great aplomb, sounding somehow constructed, and also a jam at the same time. 



I'm not sure if there are any plans for a new album in the near future, though judging on tonight's performance, it would make complete sense. It's as if they are poised to move forwards.  The Colosseum witnessed four Gladiators of musical invention this evening.  Here's to the next part of the story.

Phone photo by Matt Wisdom