The poster boy of punk may be better known as a leather-clad rebel screaming about anarchy, but Johnny Rotten is now hoping to win people’s hearts at Eurovision with a “universal love song”.
John Lydon, who was given the moniker “Rotten” during his time with Sex Pistols, is aiming to represent Ireland in the annual competition alongside his current band, Public Image Ltd.
The singer’s parents were Irish immigrants who moved to London, and he will compete against five other acts for the nomination to represent their country at Eurovision in May.
The song Public Image Ltd is hoping will be named as Ireland’s official entry is called Hawaii, and is described as a “love letter” to Lydon’s wife of 50 years, Nora, who has Alzheimer’s disease.
While Lydon is famed for controversial lyrics, including branding the UK monarchy a “fascist regime”, the single intended for Eurovision is a "pensive, personal yet universal love song" about a trip in the US.
Lydon, 66, said: "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."
Irish broadcaster RTE announced Public Image Ltd is among the six entries vying to represent the country in Liverpool, which is staging the competition in place of last year’s winner, Ukraine, where it is too dangerous to hold the show.
Public Image Ltd will compete against Wild Youth, Adgy, Connolly, Leila Jane and K Muni & ND during a televised contest on The Late Late Show on Friday, Feb 3.
Lydon’s band consists of guitarist Lu Edmonds, drummer Bruce Smith and bassist Scott Firth. The band was originally formed after the break-up of the Sex Pistols in 1978.
