AN English post-punk band, formed by former Sex Pistols’ singer John Lydon, is in the running to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest.
Public Image Ltd (PiL) is one of six acts that will compete next month for the chance to perform on the Irish ticket later this year.
Fronted by Lydon, who was known as Johnny Rotten in his punk days, PiL will perform a song called Hawaii that is described as "a love letter to Lydon's wife of nearly five decades who is living with Alzheimer's".
PiL will take part in the Late Late Eurosong 2023 Special on February 3 in a bid to win selection to represent Ireland at the international music show in May.
The annual song contest will be held in Liverpool in May after last year's winner, Ukraine, was deemed unable to host because of the Russian invasion.
Lydon has strong links to Ireland, with his mother originally from Cork and his father hailing from Galway.
The singer formed PiL following the break-up of the Sex Pistols in 1978, alongside guitarist Keith Levene, bassist Jah Wobble and drummer Jim Walker.
Their debut album, First Issue, was released in December that year and showcased a post-punk sound combining prog rock, dub and dance music.
After a 17-year hiatus Lydon reformed the group in 2009 with a new line-up, touring worldwide and releasing two albums.
The band's current line-up features Lydon, Lu Edmonds, Scott Firth and Bruce Smith with their song entry described as "a pensive, personal yet universal love song that will resonate with many".
Lydon (66), whose wife of almost 50 years, Nora, has Alzheimer’s disease, said of the song: "It 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."
The other acts set to compete to represent Ireland includes Wild Youth, a four-piece band from Dublin, who have a string of top hits in the Republic and have toured with Niall Horan, Lewis Capaldi, and Westlife.
Conor O'Donohoe from the band has also written a string of top hits for other artists and co-written with Moncrief and The Script.
Speaking about reaching the Eurosong final, Wild Youth said: "Eurovision is something we have always loved and would love to represent our country".
Adgy, Connolly, Leila Jane and K Muni & ND are the other four acts that will perform on a special edition of the Late Late Show on RTÉ One. The decision will be split between music experts, an international jury and a public vote.
Ireland has won Eurovision seven times, more than any other country, but it has failed to qualify for the grand final since 2018.
