About This Footage
The 2017 interview with director Tabbert Fiiller on rare unseen Public Image Ltd footage is a treasure trove for fans of post-punk and punk rock history. Filmed at the London premiere of The Public Image Is Rotten, a documentary that chronicles the band's four-decade career, this clip offers a unique glimpse into the world of one of the most influential bands to emerge from the late 1970s UK music scene.
At the time of filming, John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten, was still at the helm of Public Image Ltd, which he formed in June 1978 with guitarist Keith Levene and bassist Jah Wobble. The band's early years were marked by a radical departure from their predecessors in The Sex Pistols, embracing a more experimental and avant-garde sound that would go on to inspire generations of musicians.
What makes this clip so rare and significant is the opportunity to see Lydon and Fiiller discussing unseen footage of Public Image Ltd. As Fiiller mentions in the interview, much of this material has never been seen before, offering a fascinating glimpse into the band's creative process and behind-the-scenes antics. For fans who have followed Lydon's career from his days with The Sex Pistols to his post-punk endeavors, this footage is likely to be a revelation.
The 2017 documentary, The Public Image Is Rotten, was a long-overdue tribute to the band's remarkable history. Directed by Tabbert Fiiller and Matthew Block, the film features interviews with Lydon, as well as other key figures from the band's past, including guitarist Keith Levene and bassist Jah Wobble. By exploring the band's complex and often tumultuous history, The Public Image Is Rotten offers a nuanced portrait of a group that has been both celebrated and maligned over the years.
Lydon's own account of the band's early days, as captured in this interview with Fiiller, provides a fascinating insight into the creative forces that drove Public Image Ltd. From their debut single "Public Image" to their critically acclaimed album Metal Box, the band's innovative approach to music and art has left an indelible mark on the punk rock landscape.
One of the most striking aspects of this clip is Lydon's candid discussion with Fiiller about the unseen footage. His enthusiasm for sharing these previously unreleased materials is palpable, offering a glimpse into his enduring passion for the band's creative output. As he explains to Fiiller, much of this material has been stored away in archives and vaults over the years, waiting to be rediscovered by fans and scholars.
For those who have followed Lydon's career from its inception, watching this clip will likely evoke memories of the excitement and anticipation that surrounded The Sex Pistols' early days. As Public Image Ltd emerged as a distinct entity, their music and aesthetic pushed the boundaries of what was possible in punk rock, paving the way for future generations of musicians.
As Fiiller mentions in the interview, much of this unseen footage is likely to be preserved and made available to fans through various channels. This news will undoubtedly delight collectors and enthusiasts who have been searching for rare Public Image Ltd material over the years. By sharing these previously unreleased materials, Lydon and Fiiller are ensuring that the band's legacy continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
Ultimately, this clip is a testament to the enduring power of Public Image Ltd's music and art. As a window into their creative process and behind-the-scenes antics, it offers a unique perspective on one of the most influential bands in punk rock history. By sharing these rare and unseen materials with the world, Lydon and Fiiller are ensuring that the band's legacy continues to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.
Curated from public records and music databases.
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