NME, June 4th, 1983
Transcribed by Karsten Roekens
© 1983 NME
KEITH QUITS PIL
Public Image Limited have parted company with Keith Levene, leaving the group in the hands of the only original member John Lydon and his recent associate, drummer Martin Atkins. Despite this, PIL will remain a working unit and are currently nearing completion of their first album since 'Flowers Of Romance' two years ago - this, together with a 12 inch single, should be out in the autumn.
The group have recently been playing a series of concerts in the States and are due to visit Japan next month. They still intend to fulfil this commitment, even though Levene will not be with them, and it's not yet known who will replace him. Sources close to PIL suggest that Levene was increasingly at odds with the others, and decided to leave before the Japanese tour.
Recording of the new album has been slow even by PIL's standards, but sessions were interrupted for a lengthy period while Lydon flew to Italy to play his first film role, which is in a still untitled cop movie - called 'Cop Killer' in Europe - also starring Harvey Keitel, and is to be released in the autumn.
The Sex Pistols classic 'Anarchy In The U.K.' is reissued by Virgin this weekend - "to commemorate the General Election," they say.
Sounds, June 4th, 1983
Transcribed by Karsten Roekens
© 1983 Sounds
KEITH'S LEAVIN'
Public Image Limited are now down to John Lydon and 'associate partner' Martin Atkins, following the departure of Keith Levene.
No official reason for his departure has been forthcoming, but sources close to the group in New York say that Keith was "increasingly at odds, musically and corporately" with Lydon, and finally decided to quit.
This leaves Lydon as the only founder member of the band - Jeannette Lee having left towards the end of last year - but Public Image will continue as a working unit and are lining up a trip to Japan, following a series of American concerts recently.
A new album - the first since 'Flowers Of Romance' two years ago - is tentatively set for autumn release.
Recording of the album (which has been slow even by PIL's standards) was interrupted while Lydon went to Italy to take a part in an Italian cop movie which hasn't yet been titled, let alone released.
There's certainly no sign of any British gigs on the horizon.
But Virgin are re-releasing the Sex Pistols' 'Anarchy In The U.K.' to commemorate the General Election - though it's unlikely to make much difference.
© n/a