The band, fronted by John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten), will make their musical bid during a special contest on the Late Late Show on 3 February. Lydon’s parents are both from Ireland, with his mother hailing from Cork, and his father from Galway.
The track they hope to win with is a love letter to the 66-year-old punk icon’s wife, Nora, who suffers from Alzheimer’s. The pair have been married for nearly five decades – just longer than the time Public Image Ltd. have been around, after they were founded in 1978.
Lydon’s explained how the emotional ballad “is dedicated to everyone going through tough times on the journey of life, with the person they care for the most. It’s also a message of hope that ultimately love conquers all.”
1/2 PiL will be competing to represent Ireland at Eurovision 2023 with their new single Hawaii – which is available on all digital platforms from today, Monday, January 9th.
Download or Stream Hawaii now! A PiL song like no other. https://t.co/JzZtsrQmcu pic.twitter.com/gqfodgz2fH— Public Image Ltd (@pilofficial) January 9, 2023
The track and accompanying artwork sees Lydon reflect on one of the happiest memories he has with his wife, when they were in Hawaii.
Lydon has tried to represent Ireland before. In 2018 he entered the song ‘Pleased To Meet You’, telling The Irish Sun at the time: “I feel very Irish. I suppose I could wear a suit made from a tricolour… I didn’t choose a singing career. It chose me.
“I know if I did end up representing Ireland, it would bring some of the haters out, which I would love because I thrive on that sort of negativity.”
News of Lydon and co’s involvement in the early stages for this year’s Eurovision contest was confirmed by Irish broadcaster RTÉ, who have also confirmed the other acts set to compete for a place to represent Ireland. These include ADGY, CONNOLLY, Wild Youth, Leila Jane, and K Muni + ND.
This year’s Eurovision is taking place in Liverpool, after it was decided that winners Ukraine weren’t in a position to host due to the invasion of Russia. The UK, who finished second thanks to Sam Ryder, will instead devise a contest that will have Ukrainian elements in honour of the country.
