Public Image Ltd. (PiL) is set to return to the stage in 2025 with a major UK and Ireland tour, marking their first tour since 2023. Named “This Is Not The Last Tour,” it includes 24 confirmed dates, with more sure to be announced, and a single European stop at Spain’s Azkena Rock Festival.
The tour will span across the UK and Ireland, visiting cities and venues often overlooked by other acts to bring PiL’s unique sound to fans old and new. Kicking off in June, the tour is planned to last until early August, although the new dates could take them later into the year.
Frontman, and former Sex Pistol, John Lydon previously hinted that PiL’s 2023 tour might be their last, following a period of personal loss. In April 2023, Lydon’s wife, Nora Forster, passed away after a five-year battle with Alzheimer’s. Later that year, his manager and childhood friend, John “Rambo” Stevens, died suddenly after the last PiL tour in December.
In spring 2024, Lydon embarked upon a spoken word tour across the UK, where he shared stories and reflections with fans. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many urging him to return with PiL. He shared, “People were so overwhelmingly positive, and they asked me to tour PiL again… I couldn’t just stay on my sofa and not tour – tempting though that obviously is.”
Founded in 1978, PiL emerged as a major force in post-punk, pushing boundaries with their experimental mix of punk, dub, and rock. Formed after Lydon left The Sex Pistols, it was an outlet for him to explore music that his previous band wouldn’t have allowed him to. Their work has influenced alternative music through artists such as U2, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Massive Attack.
While the full setlist hasn’t been disclosed, fans can expect a mix of PiL classics. Songs such as ‘This Is Not a Love Song’, ‘Public Image’, ‘Rise’, and ‘Death Disco’ were all staples of PiL shows of the past, and it’s difficult to imagine a show without them.
The “This Is Not The Last Tour” will play at smaller venues, with some notable omissions. There are no dates in Manchester or Liverpool, Scotland, or Leeds, which has left some fans voicing their frustrations. On the other hand, the punk-legend will be delivering his set to crowds who are often forgotten about by major acts.
Hoping for some Scottish dates
— ScottLardo1970 (@scottlardo1970) November 12, 2024
With a strong lineup of dates, “This Is Not The Last Tour” is set to bring PiL’s genre-blending sound and defiant spirit back to the stage, allowing fans an intimate experience with one of alternative music’s most influential artists. Tickets will go on general sale at 10am on Friday, November 15, but if you just can’t wait, here’s a performance from 1983 at the legendary Rockpalast!
