The connection between Eurovision[/trackLink] and rock and roll might be a tenuous one to make for those only glancingly familiar with the song competition. However, fans of the annual event will know that the competition has played host to many a rock and roll act.
2021 even saw Italian rock outfit, Måneskin, winning their iteration of the competition. And they’ve gone on to release rock banger after banger, collaborating with the likes of Iggy Pop and Tom Morello. And now, Eurovision may be set to get a jolt of punk energy. John Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten, has thrown his hat into the ring to be Eurovision’s Ireland competitor.
The former Sex Pistols vocalist formed Public Image Ltd in the wake of his departure from the punk band. They’ve since gone on to release ten studio albums of anti-rock and post-punk material. They’re now hoping that their newest single, Hawaii, could be deemed strong enough to take Ireland to the winner’s spot at the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.
What’s the song?
The performance may be a surprise for fans of the singer’s Sex Pistols material. The song is one of Lydon’s most personal pieces of songwriting to come out of his career. A love letter to John’s wife of nearly 50 years, Nora, who is living with Alzheimer’s, Hawaii reflects on the lifetime they’ve spent together. In particular, it touches on one of the couples’ happiest moments together in Hawaii.
Said John Lydon 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 band will perform Hawaii as part of the competition to represent Ireland at the 67th annual Eurovision Song Contest. The competition will take place from 9:30pm GMT on Friday, February 3 on Ireland’s The Late Late Show.
Hawaii is available now on all digital platforms. The track will be released on limited edition 7” vinyl later in the year. Public Image Ltd will also be releasing a new album this year – so stay tuned!