His band Public Image Ltd submitted their song ‘Hawaii’, which is now one of six acts competing for a Eurovision spot
Young up-and-coming talents, indie pop singers and rock veterans – Eurovision Song Contest is an all-encompassing European music event, full of surprises. On such rock-veteran-surprise submission has just been revealed by the Irish broadcaster RTE. Former Sex Pistols frontman, John Lydon, and his band Public Image Ltd will be competing to represent Ireland at Eurovision in Liverpool.
The post-punk band formed by John Lydon, also known as Johnny Rotten, celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2018. Apart from John on vocals, the group consists of guitarist Keith Levene, bassist Jah Wobble, and drummer Jim Walker. While the band’s line-up has changed a lot over the years, Lydon remained its permanent member.
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Lydon’s Eurosong 2023 entry, ‘Hawaii’, is a nostalgic love letter to his wife of nearly five decades, Nora, who suffers Alzheimer’s. And while the song isn’t something Eurovision audience would expect, the song has its charm as Lydon greets his wife with gentle ‘Aloha’ and remembers their time exploring the world together.
The song will be released as a 7-inch single later this year. Public Image Ltd will also be releasing a new album in 2023. The details aren’t being releaved yet. Lydon will perform ‘Hawaii’ live on The Late Late Show on February 3. Just like in the past few years, the talk show special will be used to select Ireland’s representative for Eurovision.
The 67th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place in Liverpool, with the Grand Final scheduled on Saturday, May 13. Listen to ‘Hawaii’ below and tell us what you think on AlteRock Facebook and AlteRock Twitter!
