Artist page · 05/07/2026

Public Image Ltd

LondonFormed in 1978Alternatif11 vinyl albums
Public Image Ltd emerged from London in 1978, following the end of the Sex Pistols, pioneering post-punk with experimental, dub, and alternative rock influences.
11Albums on Vinyles.com
34kLast.fm listeners
466101Last.fm plays

About

Public Image Ltd, Post-punk's London pioneers since 1978, shaping alternative sounds.

12 vinyl releases blending post-punk, dub, and experimental rock; official PiL labels stand out.

Formed in London in 1978 by Johnny Rotten after Sex Pistols' dissolution, Public Image Ltd developed a distinctive sound combining post-punk, dub, experimental rock, and elements of new wave. Their catalog includes 12 vinyl releases spanning alternative genres, issued mainly on their official PiL label and Scorpio US, among others. Over decades, their musical evolution has influenced diverse scenes and remains collectible for vinyl enthusiasts.

Their latest releases feature colored vinyl editions like "End of World" on black and solid white vinyl, adding physical variety for collectors. Key tracks such as "Rise" and "This Is Not a Love Song" continue to resonate, contributing to a steady presence on vinyl marketplaces.

Playlist

Signature tracks

The tracks that sum up Public Image Ltd's career.

01
Rise
·
02
Public Image
·
03
This Is Not a Love Song
·
04
Memories
·
05
Swan Lake
·
06
Careering
·
07
Albatross
·
08
Poptones
·

The essentials

The 3 Public Image Ltd albums you absolutely need

Our pick, validated by the editorial team.

#1 · 2013
Album

A 2013 release that showcases PiL's alternative and pop blend, issued on SCORPIO US label.

Vinyl formatPop genreIssued 2013SCORPIO US label
#2 · 2015
Double Trouble

Post-punk styled 2015 album from the PiL Official label reflecting the band's evolving sound.

Vinyl formatPost-Punk genreReleased in 2015PiL Official label
#3 · 2023
End of World/Black Vinyl

Recent 2023 alternative genre release available as a collectible black vinyl from PiL Official label.

Vinyl formatAlternative genre2023 issuePiL Official label

Go further

Artists similar to Public Image Ltd

Artists who share part of Public Image Ltd's musical DNA.

Face B

Side B: the hidden stories of Public Image Ltd

Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.

"Johnny Rotten's Public Image Ltd redefined post-punk with bold genre fusion."
— Music circles
01Formation

Public Image Ltd formed after the Sex Pistols

Johnny Rotten founded Public Image Ltd in London in 1978 as a new musical direction after the Sex Pistols disbanded.

1978London
02Notable Track

"Rise" tops listener counts

'Rise' remains Public Image Ltd's most played track with over 563,000 playcounts and more than 136,000 listeners on vinyl-friendly streaming platforms.

2024Global
03Diverse Sound

Blending dub and post-punk in their releases

Their catalog merges genres like dub, post-punk, and experimental rock, creating a signature sound evident since their earliest records.

1978United Kingdom
04Vinyl Variations

2023 saw colored vinyl editions for 'End of World'

The 'End of World' release in 2023 appeared on both solid white and black vinyl, appealing to collectors of limited pressings.

2023United Kingdom

FAQ

FAQ: Public Image Ltd on physical formats

The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.

When was Public Image Ltd formed?

Public Image Ltd was formed in 1978 in London following the breakup of the Sex Pistols.

What genres does Public Image Ltd's vinyl catalog cover?

Their vinyl releases encompass post-punk, alternative, pop, dub, and experimental rock genres.

What are notable vinyl pressings for Public Image Ltd in France?

They have multiple releases available from the PiL Official label and Universal Music, accessible in French markets.

Are there colored vinyl editions available from Public Image Ltd?

Yes, in 2023, 'End of World' was released on both solid white and black vinyl variants.

Which Public Image Ltd track has the highest playcounts?

'Rise' is their most played track with over 563,000 plays, popular among vinyl collectors and listeners.

How many vinyl albums are in Public Image Ltd's catalog?

There are 12 vinyl releases spread across various labels, including PiL Official and Scorpio US.

Where did Public Image Ltd originate?

The group originated in London, United Kingdom, in 1978.

Is Public Image Ltd still active today?

Yes, their activity continues, with recent releases issued as recently as 2023 and plans extending into 2025.

Transparency

Sources & method

This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.

Our method

  1. Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
  2. Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
  3. Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
  4. Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
  5. Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 05/07/2026