Public Image Limited: Live at Rockpalast 1983

Recorded for the German television show Rockpalast on Halloween in 1983, this Public Image Limited concert features a relatively staid first half followed by a raucous, crowd-pleasing second half. As the band—formed by vocalist John Lydon (aka Johnny Rotten) in 1978 after the dissolution of the Sex Pistols—powers through “Public Image,” “Annalisa,” “Religion,” “Memories,” “Flowers of Romance,” “Solitaire,” and “Chant,” the keyboard player chain-smokes, the guitarist chews gum, the bass player looks out of place in his pressed pants and tidy vest, and the drummer hunkers low while Lydon paces the stage, telling the crowd, “I'm bored and I'm going home.” Right when this begins to sound like a good idea, the band launches into the Sex Pistols' “Anarchy in the U.K.,” quickly putting the audience in the palm of their hand (never underestimate the power of a hit single). “(This Is Not a) Love Song” shows off the band's strange punk/disco hybridization, and Lydon jumps into the crowd for “Under the House,” urging them to sing along while everyone on stage plays drums. “Bad Life” and a second take on “Public Image” round things out, by which time both the musicians and fans alike are grinning and drenched in sweat. Presented in PCM stereo, DVD extras include rehearsal footage and a brief interview of Lydon by Rockpalast host Alan Bangs. Recommended. (H. Seggel)