Public Image Limited interview with Keith Levene & John Lydon on The Tom Snyder Show 1980

Public Image Limited interview with Keith Levene & John Lydon on The Tom Snyder Show 1980

[@jackspry9736]

RIP Keith Levene (July 18, 1957 - November 11, 2022), aged 65 You will be remembered as a legend.

[@paulvon2378]

worst interview ever! lol

[@jamiethescorpio]

❤

[@ehLeanne311]

Why does every youtube comments nob feel the need to mention someone famous who recently died, are you thirsting for a job as an obituary columnist, creep. Worry about your own family and grant them their privacy 🤦‍♂

[@JackKlumpass]

And his style got plundered by rubbish guitarists like the edge from U2. Keith was a pioneer and his style got robbed!

[@dionisio7719]

Thanks 😢

[@edwardbliss8931]

I know this was difficult to watch, but I wish there was more of this right now. Anger, controversy, a condemnation of everything. What do we have now? Pop stars who are pansies and rap artists who are contrived. Nothing is genuine

[@laurih.t.8723]

Glad there is ONE person in this feed who gets it. John Lydon is extremely intelligent & has a point. Totally. I know a lot of people don't get him, but it's their own ignorance. Now Keith, he was right in with John but he looks like a bloody vampire & I get a bad feeling from him, idk why, I just always have. Love John tho!

[@theinternetkilledmusic2054]

So true. He was also an 18 year old thrown into a band and then banned from speaking on the BBC because he wanted to out a rampant pedophile who was protected by the establishment. I can imagine that would make someone resentful of the media in all its gross forms.

[@Suchapill]

🔥The Internet Killed Music So true!! The repercussions of the Saville exposure have only just begun and it is not localized, and one of its first public champions of protest, John Giveemhell Rotten.

[@lizclegg7556]

Really? You don't think there's a lot of anger and controversy in the global political situation? Wake up and look around.

[@maximumpower516]

Edward Bliss Dude, Hip-Hop is going through a renaissance right now. What are you talking about?

[@TheBeachAndTheNelson]

Johnny Rotten was trolling before trolling was cool

[@corduroykumquat]

LUkEdUkE no that's authentic

[@jeremysanders9336]

He genuinely was just angst ridden and stupid. Not a troll at all.

[@Bpg5012trick]

@@jeremysanders9336 Troll's are stupid so he must of been lol!

[@emmanuelsalazar9424]

LUkEdUkE Dylan invented interview trolling 15yrs earlier.

[@TheSuburban15]

I feel (a little) bad for Snyder, because his show was one of only a few mainstream outlets that would give these two a platform to speak from.

[@gotham61]

Boy, it's so easy for Lydon to wind Snyder up. But I love how Snyder says "excuse me for talking while you were interrupting." I was at PiL's first ever gig in 1978. It was certainly an interesting experience.

[@freebee8221]

He is totally rude and annoying but he is 100% honest

[@hetaera3418]

I know you posted 8 years ago but I would love to know what their gig was like, how you found the experience...

[@markofsaltburn]

That was Christmas Day at the Rainbow Theatre, yes?

[@gotham61]

@@markofsaltburn Five days earlier. Theatre 140, Brussels Belgium

[@carollevola9047]

@@gotham61 so then how was the gig then?

[@djuri0612]

"Rock 'n Roll is a disease, it's vile... they play Rock 'n Roll at airports..." Oh I think I might have cried when I first heard him say this way way back when lol. I still feel this way to this day.

[@jimmyjackfunk2003]

Uri Dalal Wow that's really deep man

[@TheFpCassini]

​@godsNgenerals That's why Johnny quit the Pistols and hates McLaren- the Capitalist Machine co-opted and commodified Punk's scorched earth repudiation of what rock & roll's original rebellion had become. The very same reason he and Levene are trying to articulate in this interview- being "a company" is less of a cultural straight-jacket than being "a rock group". Of course, how Lydon expressed that ethic post Flowers of Romance- I'm not touching that with a ten-foot pole. But clearly, a huge opportunity for a most sublime statement was missed in 1996 when the Pistols' Filthy Lucre reunion tour was not packaged with KISS' reunion tour!

[@mikimiki7968]

@@TheFpCassini hello really f****** cares man...you're just as full of s*** is there

[@0nyxFR666]

Yeah he may of been right I guess but mind you, never mind the bollocks and PIL shit was decent, but not as good as what it would later inspire. I guess since Sex Pistols is so influential, he will always have a say, I just sort of despise how he insists what he makes is the end all be all. When a lot of shit that came after was better. Lots of better shit than the Sex Pistols, and he stretches his stay in that too. as to say he’s the reason they succeeded. As if any other member didn’t play a role eh!

[@lahaza6515]

Me too, except when listening to rock & roll records that were great:)) John was a huge Pink Floyd fan, among many others.

[@Paul-sl9zm]

6:10 "Excuse me for talking while you were interrupting" 😂

[@listentothenightfilms]

2:46 Exactly where hip-hop is now, and I've been a fan all my life.

[@dogsquadindia]

You are correct my mang

[@branthomas1621]

Hip hop should be called hip flop.

[@RealmsofPixelation]

I've never been a hip hop fan but agreed.

[@batphink2655]

Much as I admire PIL Tom Schneider was very patient and a gentleman in this clip. RIP Keithe!

[@terryannmaes5538]

John's face when he says dabble in film soundtracks. Hilarious

[@yeeeehawwww9239]

So proud of himself 💀 amazing interview

[@kenon6968]

I remember reading somewhere that there was actually some music that was composed for Cop Killer, other than the order of death

[@PeterChoyce]

just keep in mind Tom Snyder was the only one that would put punk rock on TV back in 1980. Backstage he really got along with Keith and Johnny Rotten and he had Johnny on his show twice more

[@NeepNeepPohn]

Levene's ability to keep Lydon's snottiness and the interviewer's bubbling anger in check is fucking hilarious

[@lydiaorr6270]

This is great, John really knew what he was talking about. Music is a business at the end of the day

[@sexobscura]

And the Pistols were on the biggest label on the planet

[@gvibes69]

Hes a Hipocrite !! Why he is in virgin and warner ?? why he doesnt do like many punk bands with their won labels independent ??

[@GardenerJLL]

This is the best interview l have seen in my life. John Lydon is a legend.

[@eldoabrahamson]

Why?

[@johnf8138]

I remember watching this and even recorded it onto a cassette 🤣 absolutely classic. I could quote this interview in high school ha ha

[@dogsquadindia]

You are my age-- recording tv onto cassette!

[@toms4442]

Lol I use to that 2

[@wlouisharris]

What a great interview. Lydon sounds like he is into existentialism. Snyder almost plays along with Lydon. Really interesting to see guys like this with authenticity in an age where practically everything is copied.

[@L3SlLeYh]

I actually love what they stood for & understand where they're coming from. I've wished to meet John for years, unfortunately I haven't been lucky.

[@CrimeSchool138]

This video puts me in such a good mood when I'm down..John is hilarious.

[@DaLilVivi96]

He so is omg 🤣😎👍

[@davidlomax4028]

He's a pretentious moron here!

[@anthonykirk5024]

What a great interview. Even with his sarcastic and confrontational wit, Tom got Johnny to open up in his own way.

[@johnauld4071]

He did a follow-up interview with Lydon in 1997 which was even better and far more amicable. It used to be on here but sadly I can't find it.

[@aaustin1986]

Thanks so much for posting this. My friends and I watched this over and over back in 89' Good times! So funny.

[@dcinthe80s]

Loved this! Great piece of 80s history! Thanks, Lurken, for posting.

[@damonm3]

This is pure fucking gold. Damn I love these kids. After watching rise and then this I’m convinced there’s a very different parallel universe

[@stanleymasterson1135]

No, just a very different, and better era within our own universe. The likes of which we will never see again, sadly

[@anonymousDerp]

John Lydon is fucking awesome

[@thestr8person]

Not so much now but he certainly was a laugh!

[@ThomasWBaldwin]

thank you......

[@lucy__v]

1:50 I’m dying at the interviewers’ vacant stare and Johnny just smiling sarcastically 😂😂 I watch this interview every so often the interviewer is so confused and they’re so unbothered it’s so funny

[@vasectomyfail442]

“It must be your shoes” hahaha. John is always a treasure

[@helpwanted134]

1:53 this moment was hilarious. That moment of silence, and Johnny smiling at Tom, made me laugh for 10 minutes without stopping

[@miracles4u]

Me too my friend. I always remember that part

[@DaLilVivi96]

Omg me too! I was in hysterics ngl pmsl! 🤣

[@gshort78]

I love that. And you can still hear him snickering at 2:03

[@rabbinirvana]

Me2! I revisit this part from time to time if I'm looking for a laugh 🤣

[@user-kj1pq6zh3x]

It could be a meme

[@ilovethetampabaylightning92]

I have a newfound respect for Lydon. His wife has Alzheimer’s and he plans on staying with her and caring for her. He loves her very much and is devoted to her. I never realized that he is a good man. God bless him.

[@klijiuaruiuiuasif8043]

@@jordanb.4514 you´re common

[@sexobscura]

Both their vows were: For better or worse

[@treacyblack8729]

Such a weird comment. Is it your experience in life that people leave their mates because the other was striken with an incurable disease or condition? Such a weird way to find respect in someone because they made the decision to stay as a result of such news. Really weird dude?!

[@sexobscura]

@@treacyblack8729 Particularly when the vows state: In sickness and health

[@yvesaltana5732]

@@treacyblack8729 agree!

[@davidellis5141]

A legendary interview.

[@ThunderAppeal]

'Its a communications company'. LOL I love it!!!

[@evax7780]

💯

[@rayrose4961]

the best part is when Johnny reminded him that the name of the show is tomorrow

[@paulconnolly3189]

R.I.P. Keith, you are a legend we'll miss you 🙏🙏🙏

[@dogsquadindia]

Rest in PiL Keith Levene 🎸

[@upinthemtns]

I'll find away to your heart yet fellow, I tell ya! We need more Tom Snyder's out there in the world!

[@danmancmufc]

"You went into a bit of a tantrum" 🤣🤣

[@judsu8142]

Public Image Limited .. 1:16 - "There's no limitsss..."

[@actfray]

"I only know what I don't like." As classic a line now as it was in 1980.

[@bluerfoot]

Rotten had the most zingers but Keith had the best line.

[@isabellehodgson7449]

now i understand why john did the jungle and the butter ad, he is a company. he didn't do it for the money.

[@jemimallah2591]

yes but that patently doesnt make sense. it would be fine if john was just spouting contradictory gibberish for the sake of it to wind people up as a bit, but im pretty sure a lot of the stuff hes saying about the band being a company and diversifying what it does is entirely serious (or as serious as john ever could be), which makes him seem a thousand times more pretentious and up his own arse than any of the pop and rock stars hes purportedly criticizing for being vacuous

[@wezzmusic]

I have to admire the patience of Tom and the insolent, troublesome & subtly intelligent John Lyndon. If bands now where so intelligent, we might actually listen to them.

[@judjudersawn2596]

This is completely Tom’s fault. From the beginning Tom was very pretentious, judgemental, and confrontational Example: 1:05 “But you said it’s not a band.” Tom started cross examining them.

[@natillas18]

3:18 "I wonder when you would get round to that one" hahahaha

[@stephenkane2464]

I love seeing John getting on with his mates he's a great one to have on your side

[@Paulvon128]

John Lydon was way ahead of his time.

[@anarchovegan9738]

in 1977 yeah. he was a dinosaur by the 80's

[@Reprodestruxion]

anarcho vegan not if he helped invent Post punk Outside of gloom

[@jjmm4965]

How?

[@corduroykumquat]

anarcho vegan if you mean PILs music you are dead wrong

[@michaelwilson2340]

Keith left and PIL was never the same. Keith is highly underrated. That's an overused statement these days but it really applies to Keith.

[@sexobscura]

True Losing Wobble was also another blow

[@michaelwilson2340]

@@sexobscura I've always loved Wobble's Reggae style of bass.

[@DoTheBartMan100]

I love this guy. If you're an interviewer waiting to interview him, expect either a decent, cool, articulate and intelligent fella... Or the exact opposite. There's no telling with him.

[@user-kj1pq6zh3x]

What i learnt from this interview: 1. They are the company, not the band.

[@chuckselvage3157]

I love Lydons cheek and sarcasm never a dull moment

[@ilovethetampabaylightning92]

Snyder with the ever-present cigarette. That man smoked like a goddamned chimney.

[@stephenkane2464]

he bribed John look smoke up Johnny damn Tom you took year off Johns life what's a matta wit you

[@oliveeisner8964]

We all smoked back then. That's just how it was. A more free less hung up world. We didn't worry about every little thing making everyone uncomfortable. Not just the smoking..

[@Danimal77]

And he died of lung cancer.

[@randomquentin]

no he didn't

[@allsystemsgo8678]

@@oliveeisner8964 I think it was more that people don't want cancer then political correctness

[@63babaganoosh]

I watched this live! Just checking to see if it was recorded for posterity, and I'll be damned, it was!

[@reneauvray3440]

+63babaganoosh Tom Snyder is a riot!

[@stephenkane2464]

John you are brilliant thank you so much

[@eddietasker9110]

1:55 🤣🤣 love that cheeky smile

[@pjackson8322]

There was a mad genius quality to Johnny that many just don't understand, including the host. Johnny realized the rev7olation that life is what you want out of it, it's not up to anyone else but you on how you should live

[@HeadlessAngels666]

1:56 that smile tho

[@christianew.2367]

A 🌹🌿 to Johnny 'Rotten' - a man who retained his thorns to this day. Scrutinizing his vis-à-vis with x-ray eyes and speaking his mind. A face that cannot lie. Like his dimples - proof of humour ❤

[@firstboyonthemoon8876]

They were making such great music during this era, wish we could have heard them talk more about that stuff.

[@RB-oz1mm]

My favorite KZbin video.

[@cinzabeary5226]

The interview Tom had just before this one he had a completely different demeanor. He allowed the person (sorry, can't remember who it was but he looked like Elton John) speak, tell stories, and the questions were more conversational. Tom was smiling, laughing and interested. Then when John and Keith came on Tom's attitude was completely opposite. I'm not sure what happened during the break when between the last interview and when John and Keith came on, but it seemed Tom wasn't happy having them there from the start and John and Keith look like they're in the principal's office. Tom's questions were uninteresting and repetitive. He was mocking them, either unable to refusing to comprehend what John and Keith were saying, not paying attention to the topics to avoid mentioning. Tom didn't even give John 2 seconds to answer the viewer question. You have to give people time to absorb what they are being asked. Tom was not patient at all and treated them differently. I'm sure John and Keith witnessed parts of the last interview and noticed how different they were being treated. I'd be on the defense, too.

[@judjudersawn2596]

Exactly right. Tom was obsessed with finding fault in what they are saying. “What does that mean, to dabble in film sound tracks?” It’s pretty self explanatory.

[@daviddenham1511]

The interviewer is the reason these guys have a point….

[@locovel10]

Is there any wonder that we watch interviews like this? We have to go back 40-50 years to interviews that were entertaining. I'm sure Tom and Johnny knew what they were doing.

[@AscendantShade]

John was entirely on the money about rock and roll and rock and roll is still what he said it was 30 odd years later, people worship other people and theres a big divide between the artist and the fans, its commercialized in that the industry takes bands and changes them to fit a demographic, it was pretty hilarious to watch two absolute mongs speak common sense to someone who thinks they have an idea of what they are about

[@allenmcdonald1878]

For real, the day that "the music INDUSTRY" became a term, was the day it died. Or at least the soul that went into it. Now it's just that.. an industrial (manufactured, vaguely relatable, nonsense.)

[@sexobscura]

The music conveyor belt had been molding acts since its inception. Only the delusional believe otherwise

[@chadplural4249]

I must admit I unfamiliar with the term Mongs But I think I followed.

[@chadplural4249]

Look at EMI records. You can even drag them into supplying South Africa (apartheid) with weapons. Wake up snot nosed little kiddies. It's not just about which pair of Reebok's or Nikes look coolest on you anymore. And that was 40 years ago.

[@sebastian_ghoxt]

watching it after reading about this in John´s book

[@stuartporter9204]

4:40 John totally nailed it

[@DiabolicShape]

I want to go back in time...and save Keith's soul ❤❤

[@Clovissimus2008]

Tom Snyder was the best television interviewer ever.

[@miroglass]

I saw PIL in SF. Also went to the interview with them. I drank too much on the way to the show and I woke up to Johnny saying "for those who were too drunk the first time we will play it again" and did Public Image. I remember at the interview a woman asked what they were doing for the scene and she said "I'm working for nothing for the scene" and Johnny said "Then you my dear are a turd".

[@pavvel9884]

The most honest interview ever to take place in the world…ever😅

[@vstudans]

I found my eyes watering realizing that John never blinked.

[@xx-jk9tj]

THIS IS BRUTAL.

[@andypike1234]

Keith looks like a vampire from the Polanski movie and Johnny at ease as usual :D

[@clyth41]

Love Johnny he's a honest, true brit... 👍👍

[@jimihendrix6969]

Great interview. I need to listen to more PIL, and check out some Tom Snyder shows.

[@miracles4u]

My God. Lydons and Keith's intellect and wit shone like a falling star while old Tom sat there wondering what he was witnessing.

[@ThunderAppeal]

'Unfortunately, the majority of the public being the senile animals that they are got that wrong.' Fucking love this guy!!

[@colbyshea5915]

Keith and John = stunning 😍 They were gorgeous

[@colbyshea5915]

Shit! I didn’t realise Keith passed recently! RIP

[@Bazzeboy]

Tom did a good job. As well as John and Keith did.

[@ninjanne]

RIP Keith Levene

[@adammartin7007]

2:04 pretty much sums up this interview

[@brandonseger5812]

I just read about this interview in Johnny’s book. You wouldn’t know it from watching but he really liked Tom Snyder.

[@sqTake2]

I'd actually say that interview went pretty good. Neither took any crap off the other. I think Keith liked Tom's "What do you like?" question, and I hope John snitched Tom's lighter. In any event he invited Johnny back. So they ended up respecting each other.

[@andrewbarnes4416]

I love PiL and I get that John was going to fuck with whoever was interviewing him but I honestly really like Tom's interviewing style. Tom didn't give a shit about looking cool the dude just legitimately was asking questions which is better than some of the bullshit sensationalistic interviews that the sex pistols got. I feel like you can tell that if it were just Keith then the interview would have gone differently but I guess PiL had to have the performance art aspect. Regardless, it's nice to see an interviewer who is A) Not a confrontational prick trying to prove something and B) Someone who's trying to show how much they "get it". I dig the apparent sincerity.

[@jeanfatale]

Andrew Barnes, yes, he was really trying, giving the band the opportunity to discuss just every subject of their Choice.

[@MultiStrickland]

They are not a BAND!....

[@pariscribe5245]

well now 38 years on ... John's still with P.I.L and doing great music at that ! wonder what the " tv host " is doing !?! I didn't find him too condescending cos it was after all his show but I'm pretty certain he would'nt have bet on them still being around and still being musically original ( in my point of view..) . I saw them in Paris 6 years later and it was great !!! Though John's singing has gotten even better nowadays ! If the guy's dead I retract my comment on him ...

[@Bigalrev]

Tom Snyder passed away in 2007.

[@TheFpCassini]

@Nick Monkton why?

[@EdwinaRigormuerteTreehorse]

It was good they made nice years later. Even Snyder said, “I don’t know what was going on with me during that interview” I wish I could find that video

[@CartoonFlophouse]

RIP Tom Snyder! He was really punk rock...and he got along way better with the Clash!

[@1980alsful]

Must be your shoes! Brilliant XD

[@nufrankz]

so cool!!!!!

[@gshort78]

I first saw this about 5 years ago, and since then I've worked in that "Doo-Dah" at 0:30 into my everyday dialog

[@theflorgeormix]

Inspired an episode of WKRP in Cincinnati. Love the rebellion. They were heartwarming 2 some degree.

[@kmfdm10392]

Levene at 1:39 - "We're Jet-Lagged." What he really means is "I'm *just* about to nod off and John's simply giving you the 'John' you really want."

[@jonesy2111]

Heroin is a helluva drug

[@lahaza6515]

I remember being so excited as a young girl when this came on. It always was funny that they sounded like any 50s band sped up & played beautifully sloppy.

[@ericcrawford9827]

Honest sarcasm. LOL. I had an argument with Levene, it doesn't matter anymore. LOL.

[@scooterbob1408]

I love original people. John lydon is original without apology.

[@ACrackInTheWall2006]

I only know what I don't like.

[@bluerfoot]

that is one of the greatest lines ever.

[@misterapplesyd]

One of my fav videos on youtube lmao John being an intolerable edgelord character its unbelievably entertaining. But Keith being classy is my fav here lol its unfortunate that he was overpowered by John...was very interested in what he was saying

[@sexobscura]

One must *never* take the spotlight off John *OR ELSE*

[@robsmith8024]

They talked but actually said nothing. John trying too hard to be anti everything as usual and still at it. Time for a new act John……yawn, yawn, yawn

[@Fortwentt]

Wow so great.

[@SS-tm4ob]

You know what, this john guy is a very brave person to be himself. The truth hurts no matter how or who it came from. People do not know how to sit with the truth & that is a way to have individuality.

[@steven1822]

PIL is true happiness to me.

[@hamburgerhelperflick]

"Is it a band or a public relations company?"

[@yeeyoh]

Great interview, some serious 'Punk rock,' knowledge. (that Carter stuff near the end being 'a bit much,' of course.)

[@jonathanbirch2022]

“Excuse me for talking while you were interrupting” LMAO

[@Kohntarkosz]

It's refreshing to, for once, see a journalist call John Lydon on his BS.

[@nitegoat1369]

Kohntarkosz, Your first mistakes was believing Snyder is a journalist. You're obviously a horrible judge of character. So your opinion of John's is moot.

[@jerryknuckles736]

Another human capable of error (a minor error) is now a "horrible judge of character?" Your statement was more revealing than his/hers. So, what does that make you?

[@VegasViking420]

Lydon back then was a nihilist. Not unjustifiably, but still no way to live.

[@nitegoat1369]

Jerry Knuckles, anyone who thinks Tom Snyder is a journalist, IS a horrible judge of character; that's a fact. For me to point out that fact, makes me nothing more than a truth teller.

[@allsystemsgo8678]

@@nitegoat1369 keep telling yourself that.

[@longrat6767]

I think Lydons antagonising behaviour towards Snyder is about him feeling like Snyder 'just doesn't get it' so he feels like he has to challenge him to break down some sort of barrier that he felt was between them...idk, thats just my take on it

[@THECLARENCES]

One of the greatest interviews of all-time! xoxo The Clarences

[@jimihendrix6969]

Asking any British person what makes them happy.......Classic. LMAO.

[@b.a2921]

haha what a interview. tom was a good man....always had the best artists on his show.