According to spin.com the qualifying rounds of the 2023 Eurovision song competition have begun but one act that will not be advancing is John Lydon and Public Image Ltd.

As of yesterday the band took part in a bid to represent Ireland by performing its new song “Hawaii” on an episode of the country’s Late Late Show. Public Image Ltd. was one of six acts who finished in fourth place after an audience and jury voted which means the band lost the chance to move forward in the competition. Instead Ireland will be represented by the band Wild Youth.

“Hawaii” is an song to Lydon’s wife of 43 years, Nora Forster and her battle with Alzheimer’s. The ditty references one of the couple’s favorite places to visit and has been described as “as close as John will ever come to bearing his soul.”

Lydon’s choice to participate in the 67 annual Eurovision surprised many people  who knew the former Sex Pistols frontman as a punk rocker. In the following statement Lydon briefly discusses his reputation in the music

“I have a reputation as a musician and insane punk, I’m gonna have to blend those two things around a love song.”

Later this year, Public Image Ltd. will be slated to release a new album, its first in eight years, after a return to touring last year.

Photo Credit: Mauricio Alvarado