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Review & Photos: PiL @ Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton [Live]

August 3rd 2012 // 'each song elongated, and at times almost like a jam session.'

by keti, August 4th, 2012 and has been Read 1710 times.
Last Edited by: Jack Stovin August 4th, 2012.

Tonight’s much anticipated gig sees PiL bring their ‘This is PiL’ tour to Wolverhampton. John Lydon reformed PiL for much acclaimed shows back in 2009, and the recent album release This is PiL showcases some of their best work in a career spanning over 20 years.



The audience is an eclectic mix from teenagers in eye-liner through to 50 something’s no doubt hoping to re-kindle Sex Pistols memories. There’s no support, well just who could open for what we are about to receive?

At 20.40 the lights dim and out walk the band, John Lydon taking centre stage with a small music stand next to his mike, presumably holding lyrics and other prompts. Straight into ‘This is not a Love Song’ which at nearly ten minutes sets the tone for the rest of the show, each song elongated, and at times almost like a jam session. It is stunning, with Bruce Smith and Scott Firth creating the most amazing rhythm section and Lu Edmonds adding sublime guitar touches.

However, it’s John Lydon most (including myself) have come to see and hear, hoping for some acerbic wit or bite, but like the crowd he’s considerably quiet, and he comments on this by asking “is Wolverhampton shy?” or are we simply waiting to catch his good side, a spectacular grimace following.



The set draws on the huge back catalogue, as well as the recent album, but standout tracks are ‘Albatross’ ‘Rise’ and set closer ‘Open Up’.

A simple stage, a large net backdrop with the PiL logo, the sound is immense.
The only quote we get is following a swift smoke break, before the encore, when Lydon tells us he’s been for a smoke, and enjoys it, and believes we should smoke in public places and if by doing we’re committing a crime then what a place we’ve become. He also takes no blame as when the decision was made “I wasn’t here”.

Overall this was a great set and Lydon is back on form, the band are tight and live they deliver.

Review - Glenn Raybone
Photos - Katja Ogrin