Concert Reviews

Public Image Ltd Concert Review and Photos

by Brooks Robinson

Updated September 13, 2026

Public Image Ltd – September 10, 2026 – The Belasco Theater

Thursday night’s Public Image Ltd (PiL) show in downtown Los Angeles started with John Lydon walking to the stage carrying a lyric book titled “Farty Tales”, stepping to the microphone, and saying “Hello L.A. I’m nervous – it’s my fucking hometown, isn’t it? And we know what kind of cunts you can be...”

Public Image Ltd

Los Angeles was the fifth stop on PiL’s This Is Not… The Last PiL Tour, with 38 more US dates to come. You never know what you might get at a John Lydon-led show. The former Sex Pistols frontman famously broke up the legendary punk band in 1978 by telling the San Francisco crowd “Ever get the feeling you’ve been cheated” before walking off the stage and into the night. There are many stories of his on-stage (and off) antics, but on this night, he was there to have a good time and put on an amazing show for a rabid fanbase that stood in line for hours in the 100+ degree heat to see the show.

The controversial icon has more than cemented his place in music lore – from turning down the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by calling it a “piss stain”, to a boat party on the River Thames with the Sex Pistols performing their new single “God Save the Queen” (“God save the Queen…The fascist regime”) during Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, as police descended on the boat to shut it down. Those events were almost 50 years ago, but nothing has slowed John Lydon down, and the current formation of PiL is no exception.

Before a note was played, John took to the mic to mention that he was nervous. In an interview with Medium he said, “I get terrified before going on stage. I can’t eat; my stomach is in knots. Why? Because it’s so bloody important to me! When you look out into an audience, you owe them absolute honesty. You don’t go through the motions. Have I mellowed? Absolutely fucking not!” Once the music kicked in, any sense of nervousness disappeared, replaced by that famous sneer. The current iteration of the band is comprised of Lu Edmonds on guitar, Scott Firth on bass, and Mark Roberts on drums. They were tight and carried the sonic momentum with ease, but make no mistake, all eyes were on John. He commanded the room’s attention from the get-go, and his expressions, gestures, and fierce and fearless vocal stylings let you know that he was in charge and there to deliver, and that this night was vitally important to him.

After the show opened with “Home”, John spoke into the mic and said, “Sorry the voice is a bit fucking rusty, but…I’m only 70. Two bouts of really fuck you and die flu…and pneumonia. And you’re still here. Cunts.” The audience had a laugh, but John pointed to one person in the middle of the room who apparently didn’t and said, “Try smiling – this is fun” …and fun it was. PiL hadn’t played in Los Angeles since 2018, and both the fans and band made up for lost time. Everywhere you went in the 100-year-old Belasco Theater, people were having the time of their lives – great music coupled with an electrifying and one-of-a-kind performer, equaled a night out that none of the 1500 in attendance will soon forget.

Public Image Ltd are:

John Lydon – Vocals
Lu Edmonds – Guitar
Scott Firth – Bass/Keyboards
Mark Roberts – Drums

Setlist:

1) Home

2) Know Now

3) World Destruction

4) This Is Not a Love Song

5) Poptones

6) Death Disco

7) Warrior

8) Shoom

9) Open Up

Encore:

10) Public Image

11) Rise

Plague Vendor

Sometimes when making plans to see a legendary band in concert, it is good to arrive early and catch the opener. Thursday night was such an occasion. In a style entirely opposite of PiL, Plague Vendor hit the stage at 8:00pm sharp and completely made it their own. From vocalist Brandon Blaine throwing himself repeatedly to the ground, executing handstands and strutting like a peacock, to guitarist Henri Cash matching Brandon’s energy step for step, these guys were here to put on a rock show, and make you remember who they were. Luke Perine on drums and Michael Perez on bass were somewhat more sedate in their movements, but masterfully drove the rhythm section of the high-octane operation.

Plague Vendor has opened for such notable acts as Muse, Deftones, The Offspring, and Social Distortion – that doesn’t happen by accident. They were a force to be reckoned with, with great songs and off-the-chart attitude, and in each of the mentioned examples, it took a very confident band to take the stage after them. A highlight from their set was Brandon jumping off stage and standing on top of the barricade chugging a beer, before jumping into the crowd to perform in the eye of the storm while moshers circled around him.

Do yourself a favor and get to the show early if you’re seeing PiL in the US – Plague Vendor is the real deal, and will leave you smiling and wondering what the hell you just witnessed.

Plague Vendor are:

Brandon Blaine - Vocals
Michael Perez - Bass
Luke Perine - Drums
Henri Cash – Guitar

Brooks Robinson Photographer & Writer

Brooks Robinson is an LA-based concert photographer, and 30+ year freelance camera operator for film, television, and music videos. He has photographed some of the largest film/TV projects in history, and hundreds of music videos in MTV's heyday.