John Lydon and Public Image Ltd.
Public Image Ltd. this month released a moving new single called “Hawaii,” described by the band as a “love letter” to frontman John Lydon’s wife Nora Forster — mother of the late Ari Up, frontwoman of The Slits — as she lives with Alzheimer’s disease.
A full new PiL album is expected this year, according to the band’s publicists.
PiL will take part in the competition to represent Ireland in the 67th annual Eurovision Song Contest; the band will perform the song on Ireland’s “The Late Late Show” on Feb. 3 as part of its bid.
According to the band’s announcement of the song:
The song is a love letter to John’s wife of nearly 5 decades, Nora, who is living with Alzheimer’s. A pensive, personal yet universal love song that will resonate with many, the song sees John reflecting on their lifetime well spent, and in particular, one of their happiest moments together in Hawaii.
The powerfully emotional ballad is as close as John will ever come to bearing his soul. “It is dedicated to everyone going through tough times on the journey of life, with the person they care for the most,” says John. “It’s also a message of hope that ultimately love conquers all.”
A new PiL album would be the band’s third since reuniting in 2009; the group’s lineup since then has included drummer Bruce Smith, guitarist Lu Edmonds and bassist Scott Firth.
Hear the new track “Hawaii” below.
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