Page Title

Johnny Rotten emerges at Public Image Limited Show - April 20, 2010

Public Image Limited
ShowBox, Seattle April 20, 2010

My Show Review
A more peaceful John Lydon, formerly known as Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols,
appeared at the ShowBox in Seattle on April 20. Sporting a blazing yellow spiked 'do
and perhaps over-sized old man duds, he told the audience, "I'm 54 years-old and I
look forward to the next 50 years!"
It was exciting to see the '70s punk icon once again. The last time I saw him rock Seattle
was at the Moore Theatre in Seattle in 1989. Back then he appeared edgier and
defiantly more aggressive.
I came to this show ready for a good time. But every time I tried to get into his great
performance, the self-controlled and tidily-dressed audience in front of the stage
brought me down. They shot me dirty looks and eye rolls every time I bounced up and
down...definately a contrast to the days of yore.
Other fans congregated by the bars appearing more interested in drinks than Lydon's
performance for which they paid over $50 a ticket to see. At one point during this
performance, Lydon turned to the bar and heckled the onlookers for their lack of
enthusiasm.
Lydon was great though. It was obvious that he wanted to deliver a good time for all to
remember. The quality of his voice sounded excellent - boy, he's learned to sing!
Judging from the lack of audience participation, I can understand why the band refused
to come back for an encore requested by only a few of the fans.
I went away feeling mixed emotions. I was excited to see my childhood anti-hero once
again...I even maintained eye contact with him, (probably because I was one of the few
people in the audience moving). But equally I was disappointed with the audience in
Seattle for giving him such a lame reception.

Copyright 2010 photo by Debbi J. Needham
John Lydon of Public Image Limited at the
Showbox in Seattle on April 20, 2010.

Pics & Ramblings by Debbi J. Needham

skyclyde.com

Copyright 2010 photo by Debbi J. Needham
John Lydon turned to swig what looked like
whiskey several times during the show.

John Lydon channeled hid '70s punk personality, Johnny Rotten, several times throughout the show.
Once he told the crowd at the bar to get more involved in the show.

All Writing & Photos Copyright D. Needham 2000-2010.
If you want to reuse or reprint a photo, please contact me.