John Lydon: is he performing at Eurovision, wife, what is song Hawaii about - who are Public Image Ltd?

Former Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon and his band Public Image Ltd (PiL) are competing to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest, with the decision on who will sing at the Liverpool event in May due later today (3 February).

The post-punk group, formed in 1978, have entered the song ‘Hawaii’, described as a “love letter” to Lydon’s wife of nearly 50 years, Nora, who has Alzheimer’s disease.

The “pensive, personal yet universal love song” features lyrics about one of their happiest moments together during a trip to the US state. Here is everything you need to know about it.

Is John Lydon performing at Eurovision?

Irish broadcaster RTE announced PiL are among the six entries vying to represent the country in Liverpool in May. They will compete against Wild Youth, Adgy, Connolly, Leila Jane, and K Muni & ND during a televised contest on The Late Late Show on Friday 3 February.

The winner will be revealed at 9.30pm UK time.

Eurovision will be held in May at the ACC Liverpool after the UK was named runner-up at the 2022 event with Sam Ryder. The EBU concluded Ukraine could not host the event due to the Russian invasion, despite its entrant, Kalush Orchestra, coming first.

What is the song about?

Described as a "love letter" to Lydon's wife of nearly 50 years, Nora, who suffers from Alzheimer's disease, the post-punk band, formed in 1978, has entered the song ‘Hawaii’.

The "pensive, personal yet universal love song" includes verses that refer to one of their most memorable times spent together while visiting the US state.

Lydon, 66, also known as Johnny Rotten, said of the song: “It is dedicated to everyone going through tough times on the journey of life, with the person they care for the most. It’s also a message of hope that ultimately love conquers all.”

Who are PiL?

Lydon formed PiL following the break-up of the Sex Pistols in 1978, alongside guitarist Keith Levene, bassist Jah Wobble and drummer Jim Walker. Their debut album, ‘First Issue’, was released in December that year and showcased a post-punk sound combining prog rock, dub and dance music.

After a 17-year hiatus Lydon reformed the group in 2009 with a new line-up, touring worldwide and releasing two albums.

The group currently consists of Lydon plus guitarist Lu Edmonds, drummer Bruce Smith and bassist Scott Firth. Original PiL guitarist Levene, who was also a founding member of The Clash, died of liver cancer in November at the age of 65.