Public Image Ltd at Shepherd's Bush

Last night we went to see Public Image Ltd at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire on the first night of their current UK tour. I was lucky enough to see PiL at the Electric Ballroom last December and I have no hesitation in saying they were better last night. The band were tighter and the sound was more dense, a wall hitting you head on - a scary moment if 'Death Disco' was coming straight at you! I couldn't help but wonder where today's challenging and rebellious music was and decided it was on stage right in front of me.

There was no support band, just PiL coming on stage just before 9pm and staying there for two hours. After about an hour and a quarter John commented that that was when the young bands would leave the stage but PiL will just keep playing, and they did much to our delight.

They opened with 'This Is Not A Love Song' followed by 'Poptones' and were off and running. I was pleased they didn't open with 'Public Image' (as at the December gigs) and that threw it all up in the air, clearly signalling that this wasn't just a re-run of an earlier show but a gig from a band with a significant back catalogue. Songs included 'Albatross', 'Tie Me To The Length Of That', 'Death Disco', 'Four Enclosed Walls' (which he dedicated to any critics of the recent gig in Israel), 'Warrior', 'Chant' and 'Psychopath' (from John's solo album).

'Religion' was prefaced by comments about the Pope and paedophile priests, making John's view of the Catholic Church quite clear. He wanted more bass throughout the song and it sounded great to me. John didn't talk to the audience as much as he did last year, focusing on keeping the gig moving forward, but he had a couple of diatribes against the balcony for people sitting down, but that's generally why people are up there in the first place. The *really* important thing he mentioned at the end was that PiL would be making a new album later in the year (without a record company) and then tour it - now, that was music to my ears!

After taking a cigarette break PiL came back with 'Public Image' (which was amazing), 'Rise' and 'Open Up', a great triumvirate of noize to further assault our poor ears, with virtually everyone up on their feet and dancing in their own way (yes, even me). My ears were ringing as we left, something that hasn't happened for ages and, you know what? I'm pleased they did!

As ever, at Shepherd's Bush, none of my photos are very good but I include them here to give you a feel for the atmosphere of the place and the gig. I'm looking forward to the next tour!