Johnny Rotten is getting to The Point with Sunderland show

Punk legend Johnny Rotten says he's looking forward to catching up with his 'kind of folk' when Public Image Ltd play Sunderland this spring.
John Lydon aka 'Johnny Rotten'John Lydon aka 'Johnny Rotten'
John Lydon aka 'Johnny Rotten'

The former Sex Pistols frontman, real name John Lydon, is coming to Park Lane’s The Point in May.

The post-punk pioneers begin a packed UK tour the week before they arrive on Wearside, after playing dates across Europe.

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PiL last played Sunderland in September 2012, headlining as part of the now- defunct Split Festival.

Famed for their hits Public Image, Death Disco and This Is Not a Love Song, PiL released their 10th studio album, What The World Needs Now..., to positive reviews last year.

Speaking to the Echo from his Los Angeles home, John, now 60, said: “I remember playing Split Festival and it was a really good little event, even though it was freezing cold!

“I thought no one would turn up but it was a bloody good atmosphere.

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“I suppose I should always expect that in that part of the world because they’re more open-minded. For me, that’s my kind of folk and I’m happy with it.

“It was cosy and I liked the vibe of it, there’s not enough of that around. I don’t like the really big festivals because they have five different bands playing at one time and that’s ripping off the fans.”

Those heading to PiL’s gig will experienc e a varied night of music from the band, who have released their latest album on their own label after it was self-funded.

“At our gigs we have people from teeny boppers to college professors hiding at the back, we don’t have to be fashion-conscious,” he added.

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“I’ve always liked going up north because it’s friendly, except in mad places like Scarborough where I remember we had to deal with the local heavies!

“But people up there tell it like it is and I’m at home in those environments.”

PiL play The Point on Monday, May 30, with the gig starting at 7.30pm.

For tickets, go to www.seetickets.com