John Lydon will compete with the band Public Image Ltd. in Eurovision 2023 to represent Ireland. The contest takes place on May 13th in Liverpool. The event was initially scheduled for Ukraine, the country that won the 2022 edition. However, due to the current competition with Russia, England, the runner-up, took the lead.
“Hawaii” was the song chosen for the competition. The track is a tribute to Lydon’s wife, Nora Forster , who suffers from Alzheimer’s. “It’s dedicated to everyone going through difficult times on life’s journey, with the person they care about most. It’s also a message of hope that love ultimately conquers all. Thoughtful, personal, but a universal love song that will resonate with many” (transcription via The Guardian ).
Since 2020, John has been his wife's full-time caregiver . “She’s going through some trauma. Pieces of memories are fading, slowly but surely, and probably all of them will eventually disappear. But I’m making sure it’s a happy journey and not a sad one. She’ll never forget me, and I’ll never forget her, no matter what else comes out of her ears,” he told the Observer (via The Guardian ).
In addition to the group, five other Irish candidates are competing in the contest. The selection of representatives from each country will be made on the Late Late Show on February 3rd.
The former Sex Pistols member has Irish parents, but was born in London and holds an Irish passport. In an interview with Vice Magazine , he commented: “I see myself as British first and foremost. When my parents came from Ireland they became inherently working-class English. I am properly working-class London” (via The Guardian ).
About Public Image Ltd.
Formed in 1978, the band consists of John Lydon, guitarist Lu Edmonds , drummer Bruce Smith , and bassist Scott Firth .
Recently, one of the founders and former guitarist, Keith Levene , died from liver cancer .
The punk band's last album is What the World Needs Now (2015). The new album is expected to be released later this year, but further details have not yet been released.
Listen to “Hawaii” below:
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