Public Image Ltd. will return to New York City on Monday, September 28, bringing “This Is Not The Last Tour” to Webster Hall as part of the band’s first extensive North American tour in eight years.
The tour kicked off in California in early September and continues across North America through October, marking a long-awaited return for John Lydon and PiL. For Lydon, getting back on the road carries considerably more meaning following several difficult years.
In April 2023, Lydon lost his wife of 44 years, Nora Forster, following her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Months later, longtime PiL manager and close friend John “Rambo” Stevens also died. Lydon admitted that the losses left him questioning whether he would perform again.
Speaking ahead of the North American tour, Lydon described returning to the stage as “vital, absolutely vital,” pointing to the connection PiL has maintained with its North American audience. He said the support he received following the loss of Nora and Rambo helped convince him that it was time to tour again.
That period also became part of PiL’s music. “Hawaii,” from the band’s 2023 album End of World, was written as a love letter to Nora and for those caring for someone they love through difficult times. Lydon said continuing to work has become an important part of moving forward, adding that Nora loved PiL’s music and the End of World album.
Lydon will be joined on the tour by longtime PiL guitarist Lu Edmonds and bassist/multi-instrumentalist Scott Firth, along with drummer Mark Roberts. Lydon described the current group simply as “a gaggle of mates,” saying the chemistry comes from mutual respect and trust rather than ego.
Fans at Webster Hall can expect a set that reaches throughout PiL’s career rather than focusing on one particular era. According to Lydon, the band plans to perform material stretching from early releases including First Issue and Metal Box through its newest music.
“Expect the unexpected, as always!” Lydon said. “PiL’s catalogue isn’t stuck in one decade or one genre.”
Nearly five decades after forming Public Image Ltd. following his departure from the Sex Pistols, Lydon remains firmly focused on PiL. Asked about another Sex Pistols reunion, he made clear that he considers that chapter closed and described Public Image Ltd. as his “life’s work.”
The live experience also remains central to what Lydon wants PiL to be. He spoke critically of performers relying heavily on backing tracks and technology, saying audiences paying to attend a concert deserve an honest performance. Despite his decades onstage, Lydon said he still gets nervous before performing because of how seriously he takes it.
“You don’t go through the motions,” Lydon said.
Public Image Ltd.’s North American dates continue through October, with additional touring scheduled into 2027. The complete schedule and ticket information can be found on the official Public Image Ltd. tour page.
Lydon also has a separate run of solo appearances scheduled outside of PiL, giving fans the opportunity to hear stories and reflections from throughout his career. Dates and information for those appearances are available on the official John Lydon solo tour page.
Public Image Ltd. performs at Webster Hall in New York City on Monday, September 28.
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