RIP Keith Levene who passed yesterday. He had such a ground breaking unique style and sound. Such a great song, amazing band. When Seattle came out (my first taste of PIL) I couldn't believe all the guitar sounds I was hearing. I knew of JR from the Sex Pistols, but this PIL band just took it to another level. Unlike any band I heard before. I'll be diving into all their music today. An amazing musician gone too soon.
This song is groundbreaking, and not just for the bass intro and Keith's innovative playing, but for how it transcended punk and created something completely different. It's kind of punk, new wave, shoegazy, and danceable. It's so unique.
A friend of mine, who considerably older than I am once told me "When you get older you'll appreciate PiL so much more than Sex Pistols" being young and angry and brash I laughed and told him he was insane. Yet nearly 10 years later here we are
I saw PIL at the University of Maryland in the early 80s on Halloween night. They played this song and after, John said: “that sounded fuc#ing awful, let’s do it again.” . They played the same song over and it was FLAWLESS. How many artists do a song again? That’s Johnney.
@@patthewoodboy tis a strange thing how the act of beating on objects, plucking strings, and chanting in a rhythmic manner can stir up so much emotion and ultimately mean so much more within than the primitive act of doing so itself seems. Strange wording, but you know what I mean.
The best PIL song, period. Still crushes it everytime & sounds as good as it did 4 the very 1st time in 1978. Fucking brilliant & thank God 4 John Lydon!!!
@Peter Neal Since you are talking this way in a John Lydon's band music comment section, I will take that as a punk attitude, but please in real life don't misbehave yourself this way...
No one has ever gotten away with telling John what to do. The immortal words " I did it my way " are truly shown in this genius of an artist. Right from when he broke into the Public Eye even up to current 2023 recordings, John has always done what ever the hell he wants. Much to the joy of those who understand. Standing Ovation for a once in a lifetime performer.
“The Edge”, horribly hilarious nickname btw, did in fact, here this. He and U2 ripped off the post-punk bands wholesale, but instead of learning how to play his guitar and actually play a lot of notes, he compensates by having 5 million effects pedals.
I'm surprised that the fact that Keith Levine's guitar playing here inspired a whole generation of musicians including the "sound" found in the music of The Cure, Edge's guitar playing in early U2, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Big Country, among others, is not mentioned more often.
I always thought this one song alone rescued punk rock and rock in general. it represents a rebirth and a defiance that should always be what it's about. a giant step forward. god bless John, Kieth, Jah, and Martin.
Saw these guys at a venue near their local pub in London fall of '87 and I had the time of my life. I've seen hundreds of shows but this one was in my top 5. Adore their sound, Johnny's whining critiques, and Levine's weird guitar riffs.
Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day…Stay Safe!
Oh man, where TF have I been? How have I not discovered early PIL til now. Had only heard from Album forward. I cannot get enough of this song, which seems to be their signature opus. The whole First Issue album is a mindblower and years ahead of its time. I can see how this was a catalyst for future 80s alt rock as this predates The Edge guitar sound with U2. And such a piercing "feely" melody. Even that jangle sound which Johnny Marr would expound on later. Oh, and the Jah Wobble bass riff is so killer! I can't get enough of this track and First Issue. Late bloomer I know lol but I'm slowly discovering other English post punk band's like The Strangers and The Slits and Wire. I've been into Ultravox, Gary Numan and Visage the last several years, but early PiL is bad ass!!
Pardon the cliche, but (seriously!) 'better late than never' that you have finally discovered this masterpiece. Now you can immerse yourself in it's brilliance, like many of us have done for years. 😎
Kick Ass Classic. This one will span the tests of time Johnny. You are a true Music Icon. Thanks for your extremely early contributions to shakin' the shit outta rock & roll normality. The planet is now indebted to you forever. bravo sir bravo.
Surely, this is one of the best punk, post punk and new wave guitar riffs of all time ! And certainly among the most influential ! Both in sound and in playing ! Absolutely fantastic ! No other PiL song comes even close !
Awesome video! I saw PIL in their first US tour in 1980. I was only 16 at the time and my twin brother and I were in the front row at their Chicago show. It was chaos.. We were throwing food at the stage and Lydon was throwing it back at us while Levine fingered us (jokingly).. You could only imagine their surprise when we showed up at the Holiday Inn on LS Drive after the show. We had a great conversation with Lydon and Jah Wabble. Levine was taken aback. Thanks for posting this video!
+Lou Oh who the fuck cares. Yes, it's technically post-punk, but you clarifying on the fact is the most un-punk thing you could possibly do. Someone's enjoying the music, just let them be.
Saw PIL in 1980 at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA. The Olympic Auditorium had Professional Wrestling, Boxing, and Roller Derby at one time. Perfect place for PIL to do a concert. I was 24 years old when I saw them.
I also saw Ultravox at the Whiskey A-Go-Go in March, 1979 with lead singer John Foxx. Severe rain storms that winter. When Ultravox were starting their set. The power went out about 3 or 4 times. I thought they were going to cancel the concert because of it. Nope. Ultravox did their show. Was worth the drive down from Santa Barbara.
Circa 1978. Disco was blaring. Polyester shirts. Saturday Night fever etc. and this band put together the hardest high energy rocking punk and was clearly ahead of their time. 2.1 million views? Insane.
top track. Saw Jah wobble performing this at musicport a couple of years ago with his nippon orchestra plus Levene & a john Lydon look alike...completely rocked it and blew the crowd away.......total respect!!!!!!!!!!!
Such a unique and iconic video and song...post punk is born here...all of it ; guitar riff, bass, and their look...took many yrs to even catch up to all of this ingenuity
First time I heard this was as the outplaying song on TOTP as the credits rolled, and as a 14 year old I thought what the F was that. It was brilliant then as it is brilliant today, Levine’s guitar playing was revolutionary for the period, John lyrically and vocally on point and Wobble played like he’d been playing for years rather than months and all held together by Jimmys drumming. This is probably one of the most underrated songs of that period along with Eddie and the hot rods, do anything you want to do and the Only Ones another girl another planet. thank you mr Lydon
The ascension of the bassist, - Peter Hook and Wobble, showing how beautifully it worked as the primary focus, leaving the guitar to more unique and fresh possibilities. I prefer Fodderstompf on this LP, - never ceases to make me smile.
this song is really good. this band is really good. the individual players are really good. the recording is really good. the video is really good. the fans are really good. this inspired a lot of really good music.
I remember I was about 13 and back then the first time you heard a record was when you bought it and took it home. I can remember waiting for PIL to release this, then went to the record shop in the morning, took it home and had such extreme goosebumps I thought my hair would fall out! Fuck! This song changed everything. I could just listen to the intro on a loop forever!!!
Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe!
Saw PIL at an unannounced gig at a dive on the Bowery NYC called Great Gildersleeves in '79...best live show I EVER saw, and being in the biz saw a lot! This single is in my top ten favorites of all time and will remain so as long as I'm breathing.
@@anonymousdude4011 Do you think I would post my picture and use my real name if I intended to lie? "Dude" you are the unmitigated liar. Your screen name says it all. Too cowardly to put your real self out there. You're a vicious troll with nothing better to do than to pounce on people for no apparent reason. What a jealous, mean spirit you are!
I still have my 1st pressing of this album and after many many years of letting some borrow it.. I got it back. I love it... Still got my Sex Pistols 'never mind the " album also. I'm old now but this time in my life was the best of my time here on this planet called Earth..
Heard this before while surfing through the tube---didn't know this was PIL's first single. Just saw them on the Stephen Colbert show a couple of days ago----Rotten's still howling and raging with their latest CD. The song sounded pretty good,too.
I don't blame Levene for leaving. Obviously the music-style had to swing back after the lovable extreme and weird "Flowers of Romance", but it swung back into mostly horrible, annoying cheese that was the worst of the mid-80s sound, only marginally better than "Cut the Crap" by the Clash. That fourth albums was just plain terrible.
Looking at this video again in a long while have to say this is Lydon/Rotten's most convincing miming...the sheer exuberance of being freed of the debacle of the Pistols is readily apparent. Powerful, unmitigated brilliance.
@@cynthianeighbors944 Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe!
There are many artists old and new that i genuinely love with a passion, a lot of traditionalists in blues, country, jazz, bluegrass, etc. but not many that make me feel like they're both ahead of their time and an almost inexhaustible source for creative fire. PiL is certainly one of those. There was never a PiL analogue and there shouldn't be. They're like Pixies, Zappa, or Television to me. No one else sounds like them, and they always show you something new.
@@JRStephens5005 Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe!
I cannot figure out who is rating the so called "underrated." "Oh, this is the most underrated song or underrated groups of all times, man." - Guy Who Gets It More Than Everyone Else. It's just music, listen to it and enjoy it. Let it make you happy.
Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day…Stay Safe!
Yes long live John Lydon. A man who makes commercials for Country Life butter, supports Trump, and complains about the homeless (yet he himself is an admitted squatter).
@@anonymousdude4011 If you really think Lydon supports Trump then you don't know much about John Lydon. When he made that statement a few years back he was just doing what he's always done... stirring the pot. Being contrarian. It was so tongue in cheek that it should have been obvious. He has since made it clear that he never actually supported Trump. And who really gives a shit if he does butter commercials? He had fun doing it, and it was the last thing anyone expected him to do. I have yet to hear or read his complaints about the homeless.
Brewzerr Glad you know him personally enough to determine when he is just stirring it up or just having fun selling butter. At least answer with facts and not your personal feelings Shithead. As for his homeless statements, learn to google Boomer.
Whew I actually laid down fell deep asleep bout ½ way thru the McEnroe documentary then had the craziest dream I was back in the summer of 1980 at the park with all my friends all young all happy to see each other but we knew it wasn't going to last long as if granted some special momentarily time portal it was a beautiful sunny summer day everyone was happy some roller skating other dancing around to this crazy cool tune playing loud I hadn't heard forever everyone so caught up in this special moment not wanting to end .. then slowly wake up to this playing to the closing credits of McEnroe film. It was just so surreal
It says goodbye Punk goodbye Malcolm goodbye three-chord Rock goodbye Revolution. He got what he wanted the perfect sound. Discordant venting Euro sounding with shades of Jamaica. I mean what a great replacement for Sid Vicious I'm almost virtuoso on bass guitar Jah wobble
Will be 50 in a few years. Finally got to see PIL a few years ago for the first time.Still felt a part of the group of "when we roared". Cheers to you and your friends!!!
I remember seeing them at the Hollywood Palladium back in the early 80s. Cops showed up after the concert just to harras us and tell us to go home because it's late. No hanging out allowed. Lol
RIP Keith Levene who passed yesterday. He had such a ground breaking unique style and sound. Such a great song, amazing band. When Seattle came out (my first taste of PIL) I couldn't believe all the guitar sounds I was hearing. I knew of JR from the Sex Pistols, but this PIL band just took it to another level. Unlike any band I heard before. I'll be diving into all their music today. An amazing musician gone too soon.
I love Happy? (the album w Seattle), and it might be my favourite PiL record. But Levene is not on it.
@@ludwigfeuerbach Keith Levine. Largely unrecognized. Not by some of us. His use of the Prophet 5 was impactful.
I didn't know him by name (RIP Keith Levene) but it is true that this guitar sound chronologically doesn't seem to exist before this release.
A crushing blow. Another part of my youth gone.
@@ludwigfeuerbach Incidentally that's my favorite album from this band too. "Seattle" and etc are completely awesome!
This song is groundbreaking, and not just for the bass intro and Keith's innovative playing, but for how it transcended punk and created something completely different. It's kind of punk, new wave, shoegazy, and danceable. It's so unique.
Thus Post -Punk was born.
@@pumasgoya Well, Magazine beat them to the punch by a few months.
Also Wire, the Fall, Pere Ubu ...
Art is art. If it's reasonable, it lasts. This one lasts.@@unsightlyandserene
@@unsightlyandserene, No doubt, all massive innovators.
A friend of mine, who considerably older than I am once told me "When you get older you'll appreciate PiL so much more than Sex Pistols" being young and angry and brash I laughed and told him he was insane. Yet nearly 10 years later here we are
Because we realize being forcefully free by being independent is of greater power and consequence than just being obnoxious
1311, wow! I don’t think anyone could have nailed it so succinctly. Well said.
Dam!!!!!!!!!!! your right! Im 40 and been a punk for 27 years. I hated this album in the early 90's now I cant get enough.
Soon to turn 66, and I am still here and still listening.
@@kingzambu6104 Released in 1979. I was 23 and I bought it.
"We're not a band, we're a company" - John Lydon
One of my favorite quotes of all time.
Q: "What kind of company?
A: "A communication company."
I come back here because no straight roads final boss is base off this guy. Someone take that quote seriously and made video about It
reminds me of: Jay-Z said, "I'm not a businessman, I'm a business, man".
the bass, the beat, Johnny's repeated "hello" and suddenly the guitar from another world. A masterpiece..
JClaus1221 Not to mention the maniacal hyena like laugh at the beginning....
"the guitar from another world"
And the swagger bro. Johnny's swagger when he steps up to the microphone. Just brilliant!
Yes Levine is underrated, very influential
I saw PIL at the University of Maryland in the early 80s on Halloween night. They played this song and after, John said: “that sounded fuc#ing awful, let’s do it again.” . They played the same song over and it was FLAWLESS. How many artists do a song again? That’s Johnney.
How unprofessional.
I saw them in Boston in 1980. When they came back for an encore, they repeated three songs they had already played.
@@MichaelPember I'm assuming this is a compliment.
Larry Levan used to play his songs over and over until people danced
@@spoonmanvlogs5386 .
That guitar riff, man... I hear it in my head sometimes out of the blue.
Maxime Boileau It's brilliant. So unique.
Maxime Boileau Keith levene! without him,U2 wouldn't have they're early sound!
I think the Edge from U2 was taking notes.
Oh me too. Implanted in my brain.
No doubt.
The guitar lick in this song essentially spurned the entire 80s rock scene . . .there is no U2 without this song.
Dont forget the Skids! No U2 without the Skids.
No U2 without both. Or The Edge.
That's good observation and perspective. I appreciate this comment and tend to agree.
@@justinollis34 no music until someone hit a log 🙂
@@patthewoodboy tis a strange thing how the act of beating on objects, plucking strings, and chanting in a rhythmic manner can stir up so much emotion and ultimately mean so much more within than the primitive act of doing so itself seems.
Strange wording, but you know what I mean.
The best PIL song, period. Still crushes it everytime & sounds as good as it did 4 the very 1st time in 1978. Fucking brilliant & thank God 4 John Lydon!!!
Albatross!
Doesn't "Rise" come close and "World Destruction" with the known pedafile, Afrika Bambatta?
I heard it on the radio for the first time in the 80's. I wondered why they didn't play it more. Was surprised that it was 1978 DOB.
John nails it every time!
@@qwj68boots didnt know that about afrika at all, thanks for the info!!!
The missing link between punk and post-punk.
Post punk
@Peter Neal Man, it must suck being such a negative fuck like yourself. Fucking asshole.
@Peter Neal Since you are talking this way in a John Lydon's band music comment section, I will take that as a punk attitude, but please in real life don't misbehave yourself this way...
This link is not missing.
No one has ever gotten away with telling John what to do. The immortal words " I did it my way " are truly shown in this genius of an artist. Right from when he broke into the Public Eye even up to current 2023 recordings, John has always done what ever the hell he wants. Much to the joy of those who understand. Standing Ovation for a once in a lifetime performer.
Just love that chiming guitar sound. Keith Levene is a hugely underrated player.
Hmmm...I wonder if "The Edge" ever heard this? :)
We all heard it. Steal from the best.
He has said that he copped Keith's guitar sound in print.
“The Edge”, horribly hilarious nickname btw, did in fact, here this. He and U2 ripped off the post-punk bands wholesale, but instead of learning how to play his guitar and actually play a lot of notes, he compensates by having 5 million effects pedals.
Dan... Two completely different worlds
You are correct the edge could have taken this level of riffs and turn it into guitar music. I like your perspective just saying. Create a great day
RIP Keith Levene.......thanks to the contribution you made in music.
I'm surprised that the fact that Keith Levine's guitar playing here inspired a whole generation of musicians including the "sound" found in the music of The Cure, Edge's guitar playing in early U2, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Big Country, among others, is not mentioned more often.
Big influence of The Strokes and Interpol as well
It didn't help that Levene largely disappeared from the public eye after he left/was kicked out of PiL.
@@inversion66 Heroin played a big part in that.
Yea, this is foundation for so much of post pink and early 80s guitar sound
And Geordie Walker of Killing Joke was/is also a huge influence in that whole genre...in fact I think Keith was influenced by him, too.
One of the most underrated songs ever. It redefined what we now call alternative music.
A 1988 song that was somehow recorded and released in 1978. Ridiculously ahead of its time.
I always thought this one song alone rescued punk rock and rock in general. it represents a rebirth and a defiance that should always be what it's about. a giant step forward. god bless John, Kieth, Jah, and Martin.
Martin Atkins is not on this record. The amazing wallop of Jim “Donut” Walker is.
This was/is a great song to dance to. I'm 57 and it still moves me. They're playing tomorrow night here in Chicago but I couldn't get tickets.
Goin Friday in Denver!
+Cathy T Going tonight in Sacramento! Can't wait! Sorry you missed 'em.
This song is on the set list; make sure you dance. Let me know how the show was. Have fun and stay safe. Thanks.
Oh, I danced! Great show! They did this song and Rise for the encores. Hope you get to go next time!
Thanks. Glad you had a good time.
Thank you Keith for laying down post punk's blueprint.
That bass, intro always signaled me to turn the volume up all the way!
I hope it still does!
The first line let's you know you did the right thing.
That bass line IS the song!
@@jw4941 hell yeah! 👍
YES! Turn it up to eleven!!
Saw these guys at a venue near their local pub in London fall of '87 and I had the time of my life. I've seen hundreds of shows but this one was in my top 5. Adore their sound, Johnny's whining critiques, and Levine's weird guitar riffs.
This song is in my top 10 favorite of all time.
This wipes the floor of the music being released today. Its not even hardcore punk, more a pop variant but the attitude and essence of punk is there.
R.I.P. Keith Leven.....thank you for the amazing music.
Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day…Stay Safe!
the best beginning of a song ever. a great song, but the first 13 seconds is fucking perfection.
it is great! idk if it beats out "can't you hear me knocking" tho :)
Oh man, where TF have I been? How have I not discovered early PIL til now. Had only heard from Album forward. I cannot get enough of this song, which seems to be their signature opus. The whole First Issue album is a mindblower and years ahead of its time. I can see how this was a catalyst for future 80s alt rock as this predates The Edge guitar sound with U2. And such a piercing "feely" melody. Even that jangle sound which Johnny Marr would expound on later.
Oh, and the Jah Wobble bass riff is so killer! I can't get enough of this track and First Issue. Late bloomer I know lol but I'm slowly discovering other English post punk band's like The Strangers and The Slits and Wire. I've been into Ultravox, Gary Numan and Visage the last several years, but early PiL is bad ass!!
Pardon the cliche, but (seriously!) 'better late than never' that you have finally discovered this masterpiece. Now you can immerse yourself in it's brilliance, like many of us have done for years. 😎
Kick Ass Classic. This one will span the tests of time Johnny. You are a true Music Icon. Thanks for your extremely early contributions to shakin' the shit outta rock & roll normality. The planet is now indebted to you forever. bravo sir bravo.
Surely, this is one of the best punk, post punk and new wave guitar riffs of all time ! And certainly among the most influential ! Both in sound and in playing ! Absolutely fantastic ! No other PiL song comes even close !
One of the most beautiful things i have ever heard in my life. Look at these fucking legends.
Awesome video! I saw PIL in their first US tour in 1980. I was only 16 at the time and my twin brother and I were in the front row at their Chicago show. It was chaos.. We were throwing food at the stage and Lydon was throwing it back at us while Levine fingered us (jokingly).. You could only imagine their surprise when we showed up at the Holiday Inn on LS Drive after the show. We had a great conversation with Lydon and Jah Wabble. Levine was taken aback. Thanks for posting this video!
I still think this is the best punk song ever
+Lou Oh who the fuck cares. Yes, it's technically post-punk, but you clarifying on the fact is the most un-punk thing you could possibly do. Someone's enjoying the music, just let them be.
+Quinn Mintrup that's the spirit!
+Lou wait are you sure it's not new-wave? or alternative?or Indie? no surely the only thing this can be called is post-punk.
Technically speaking, this song introduced the age of post-punk (1978-84). Your sentiments, however, are sparkling.
doesn't matter how you categorize this. It's great rock. Period!
Saw PIL in 1980 at the Olympic Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA. The Olympic Auditorium had Professional Wrestling, Boxing, and Roller Derby at one time. Perfect place for PIL to do a concert. I was 24 years old when I saw them.
I was there as well, stuck in front of the Marshall wall...lol...my ears are still ringing..
I also saw Ultravox at the Whiskey A-Go-Go in March, 1979 with lead singer John Foxx. Severe rain storms that winter. When Ultravox were starting their set. The power went out about 3 or 4 times. I thought they were going to cancel the concert because of it. Nope. Ultravox did their show. Was worth the drive down from Santa Barbara.
the one song that basically made everything the Pistols did sound irrelevant - this song is, was and always will be a masterpiece
Ironic, given that it was written for the Pistols, and rejected.
The pistols will never be irrelevant
No it didn't.
The pistols influenced so many great bands it's not even funny, objectively they will never be irrelevant ever
@@SonofSethoitae Nah, you're thinking of "Religion." The Pistols wouldn't touch it.
Mind blowing.
In every aspect.
Vocals and musicianship.
I'm tempted to say this might be one of the greatest pieces of modern music ever written/performed
It's not modern at this point
Circa 1978. Disco was blaring. Polyester shirts. Saturday Night fever etc. and this band put together the hardest high energy rocking punk and was clearly ahead of their time. 2.1 million views? Insane.
I heard that riff when I twentysomthing, 30 years later it still moves me.
top track. Saw Jah wobble performing this at musicport a couple of years ago with his nippon orchestra plus Levene & a john Lydon look alike...completely rocked it and blew the crowd away.......total respect!!!!!!!!!!!
Utterly brilliant in every regard. Lyric is potent; music is unforgettable. Thank you John and all the commentators here that get it. cheers.
One of the best songs ever. The riff and the bassline are just monumental!
this track has had me ripped to the core for over four decades now. and still does. one of johnny/PILS greatest ~ thank you ❤️
Such a unique and iconic video and song...post punk is born here...all of it ; guitar riff, bass, and their look...took many yrs to even catch up to all of this ingenuity
First time I heard this was as the outplaying song on TOTP as the credits rolled, and as a 14 year old I thought what the F was that. It was brilliant then as it is brilliant today, Levine’s guitar playing was revolutionary for the period, John lyrically and vocally on point and Wobble played like he’d been playing for years rather than months and all held together by Jimmys drumming.
This is probably one of the most underrated songs of that period along with Eddie and the hot rods, do anything you want to do and the Only Ones another girl another planet.
thank you mr Lydon
such a powerful and pivotal song in the history of rock music, John Lydon at his best!
And here is where he truly starts to show his fearlessness.
The ascension of the bassist, - Peter Hook and Wobble, showing how beautifully it worked as the primary focus, leaving the guitar to more unique and fresh possibilities.
I prefer Fodderstompf on this LP, - never ceases to make me smile.
Saw them in San Francisco 80 and Jah Wobble stole the show
I got hooked on this, college radio KSPC Pomona, early 80s.
this song is really good. this band is really good. the individual players are really good. the recording is really good. the video is really good. the fans are really good. this inspired a lot of really good music.
RIP Keith Levene ( the blond guitarist)
PIL = the thinking man's punk rock
Great guitar work and great vocal performance. John L. was always underrated as a vocalist. Keith L. is really unique here.
Why isn't this being taught in our schools?
Brian Winters bloody hell, don't they teach music in school anymore?
That might make kids think for themselves. We can't have that.
they teach about emojis now
Kids today need their trash pop.
One word: Liberals
Timeless brilliance!! Great song. Great album. Goodbyeeeeeee!!!
I remember I was about 13 and back then the first time you heard a record was when you bought it and took it home. I can remember waiting for PIL to release this, then went to the record shop in the morning, took it home and had such extreme goosebumps I thought my hair would fall out! Fuck! This song changed everything. I could just listen to the intro on a loop forever!!!
I pray at the church of Lydon. He's one of the most brilliant people I've never met. This and Religion II blew my mind
Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe!
Saw PIL at an unannounced gig at a dive on the Bowery NYC called Great Gildersleeves in '79...best live show I EVER saw, and being in the biz saw a lot! This single is in my top ten favorites of all time and will remain so as long as I'm breathing.
Wow memories! I use to hang at gildersleeves
Timothy Rogers The only biz you were in was mopping up the floor of Gildersleeves. I remember you from there.
@@anonymousdude4011 Do you think I would post my picture and use my real name if I intended to lie? "Dude" you are the unmitigated liar. Your screen name says it all. Too cowardly to put your real self out there. You're a vicious troll with nothing better to do than to pounce on people for no apparent reason. What a jealous, mean spirit you are!
You are full of it. They never played the gig you claim in the year you claim. F A K E R
@@anonymousdude4011 You're crazy, asshole! As Lydon said "go crawl back in your old dustbin, go crawl back in your old dustbin, go C R A W L !"
I still have my 1st pressing of this album and after many many years of letting some borrow it.. I got it back. I love it... Still got my Sex Pistols 'never mind the " album also. I'm old now but this time in my life was the best of my time here on this planet called Earth..
Saw PiL in the 80’s and then again in 2010. Great shows and good times.
I know that you never listen to a word that I said,
however kieith Levene 's guitar and playing is so stunning .
he is so beautiful!
Yep, he was a major influence ....Hi Edge....
@@fabulousfreddyisready
That's right really.
One of the greatest punk bass lines ever played .
Heard this before while surfing through the tube---didn't know this was PIL's first single. Just saw them on the Stephen Colbert show a couple of days ago----Rotten's still howling and raging with their latest CD. The song sounded pretty good,too.
I still got this complete with the News Paper cover sleeve on the single !!!
Now I know where Snake from Voivod got his inspiration when he switched to clean vocals of their 4th album
This day in #PiL history... October 13th 1978. Release of PiL's debut single 'Public Image'. The single peaks at number 9 in the UK charts.
As good today in 2021 as it was 40+ years ago. Amazing. Excellent, classy. ART.
Underrated guitarist
John McGeogh.... formally of Siouxsie and the Banshees. Huge influence on the Edge of U2, according to the introduction to Andy Summer's book.
or maybe McGeogh came onboard PIL after this record.
That's Keith Levene.
I don't blame Levene for leaving. Obviously the music-style had to swing back after the lovable extreme and weird "Flowers of Romance", but it swung back into mostly horrible, annoying cheese that was the worst of the mid-80s sound, only marginally better than "Cut the Crap" by the Clash. That fourth albums was just plain terrible.
He is dead?
Looking at this video again in a long while have to say this is Lydon/Rotten's most convincing miming...the sheer exuberance of being freed of the debacle of the Pistols is readily apparent. Powerful, unmitigated brilliance.
It’s 2024, the songs opening riffs still makes the hairs on my arms stand up.
wobble sitting down.Kicking that awesome bass.Life's not a game of monopoly!
John's lil dancing is so cute
"Hello" ... 3 minutes of brilliant post-punk ... "Goodbye".
Tours, 2017?
@@cynthianeighbors944 Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe!
I have always loved his voice.
It sounds beautiful,and has that intense,frantic quality.
There are many artists old and new that i genuinely love with a passion, a lot of traditionalists in blues, country, jazz, bluegrass, etc. but not many that make me feel like they're both ahead of their time and an almost inexhaustible source for creative fire. PiL is certainly one of those. There was never a PiL analogue and there shouldn't be. They're like Pixies, Zappa, or Television to me. No one else sounds like them, and they always show you something new.
Man, that green glowy shadow bit at the end. It’s like something out of a sci-fi/horror movie......
My favourite part.
@@JRStephens5005 Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day… Stay Safe!
Miss you already Keith. Just found out you're gone. Unbelievable.
one of the great songs of all time. everything about it is so unexpected
I cannot figure out who is rating the so called "underrated."
"Oh, this is the most underrated song or underrated groups of all times, man." - Guy Who Gets It More Than Everyone Else.
It's just music, listen to it and enjoy it. Let it make you happy.
totally underrated - I was fan then and realize I still am.
saw their first & second gig at the Rainbow 1978
Hello!!! How are you doing today, please pardon me for intruding into your privacy but I just wanted to know if you’re a fan ? Have a great day…Stay Safe!
One of the great malcontent agitators of all time. Long live John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten).
Yes long live John Lydon. A man who makes commercials for Country Life butter, supports Trump, and complains about the homeless (yet he himself is an admitted squatter).
@@anonymousdude4011 No hypocrisy in your life, eh?
Tim Schooler Ha ha plenty. I just always held Lydon to a higher ideal.
@@anonymousdude4011 If you really think Lydon supports Trump then you don't know much about John Lydon. When he made that statement a few years back he was just doing what he's always done... stirring the pot. Being contrarian. It was so tongue in cheek that it should have been obvious. He has since made it clear that he never actually supported Trump. And who really gives a shit if he does butter commercials? He had fun doing it, and it was the last thing anyone expected him to do. I have yet to hear or read his complaints about the homeless.
Brewzerr Glad you know him personally enough to determine when he is just stirring it up or just having fun selling butter. At least answer with facts and not your personal feelings Shithead. As for his homeless statements, learn to google Boomer.
RIP Keith Levene, a true music legend!
That dancing i love it. Johnny rotten my man
Always loved this song! Saw them on their first U.S. tour & they killed it!!!
RIP Keith Levene, MUCH RESPECT, died today at 65 of liver cancer.
Whew I actually laid down fell deep asleep bout ½ way thru the McEnroe documentary then had the craziest dream I was back in the summer of 1980 at the park with all my friends all young all happy to see each other but we knew it wasn't going to last long as if granted some special momentarily time portal it was a beautiful sunny summer day everyone was happy some roller skating other dancing around to this crazy cool tune playing loud I hadn't heard forever everyone so caught up in this special moment not wanting to end .. then slowly wake up to this playing to the closing credits of McEnroe film. It was just so surreal
Wasn't that the perfect coming out some for John Lydon. I still think it's great.
It says goodbye Punk goodbye Malcolm goodbye three-chord Rock goodbye Revolution. He got what he wanted the perfect sound. Discordant venting Euro sounding with shades of Jamaica. I mean what a great replacement for Sid Vicious I'm almost virtuoso on bass guitar Jah wobble
Very underrated band, Jon had by this time matured into his trade, but still enough anger and energy
Post Punk Mastery.
Will be 50 in a few years. Finally got to see PIL a few years ago for the first time.Still felt a part of the group of "when we roared". Cheers to you and your friends!!!
Love that DRIVING Bass!!! Long Live Jah Wobble!!!
RIP genius guitarist Keith Levene.
Rest In Peace Keith Levene. Punk rock icon.
PILで一番好きな曲。
Came to pay my respects just to find some drunken comments I made 10 years ago. Love Keith's jangly chords. He was so cute.
Love the sound of that aluminum guitar.
@@and_now_for_something_comp9613 cool, I've never seen one in the flesh.
Happy birthday, Mr. Lydon!
SAW this incarnation of PIL! WAS AWESOME!!!!
saw PIL's first American tour concert with Keth Levine in L.A.
Saw Darby Crash in the parking-lot while we were waiting for the band to arrive before the show. The Plugz played , too.
Actually no you didn't. Jim "Donut" Walker was on drums in this video, and he left by the time they played at the Olympic Auditorium. #NitPicking
@@RiotNrrrdUTube That was Martin Atkins playing drums on that tour, wasn't it?
@@Brewzerr Yes.
I remember seeing them at the Hollywood Palladium back in the early 80s.
Cops showed up after the concert just to harras us and tell us to go home because it's late. No hanging out allowed. Lol
It really does me too. One of the best guitar sounds I've ever heard, beautiful chords well-strummed.
WOW. Wish there was a high resolution version. That Bass and Guitar, fantastic..