Public Image Ltd Unveils Long-Lost Alternative US Mix as “First Release” for Deciet Day 2025

Public Image LTD Announces New Album Release

Public Image LTD (Pil) has revealed plans to release an alternative version of US Air’s debut album “FIRST Issue” on the day of sound recording in 2025.

Details on the Long-Lost Version

The “long-lost” version of the 1978 album from the Post-Punk group, led by former Sex Pistols vocalist John Lidon, features remixed and reformatted tracks from the original album, created during the 1979 sessions for their second studio album “Metal Box.”

This alternative “first issue” has never been made available before and boasts different artwork compared to the original version.

According to the official list of RSD, the alternative version of “First Issue” was originally intended for release by Warner Bros. in 1979, but it never surfaced. It was believed that the records were lost until they were accidentally discovered in the Warner Brothers Vault in the USA, including remixed and repeated recordings of tracks from the original debut.

This LP is part of the extensive RSD ’25 list, which also includes exclusive vinyl drops from notable artists such as Oasis, Charli XCX, Fred Again.., The Cure, Gorillaz, and Taylor Swift.

These records will be available during the annual event, which will return for its 18th edition on Saturday, April 12.

The group is preparing to embark on their “This Is Not the Last Tour” in May, with dates in Great Britain and Ireland, including a performance at Dreamland Margate.

Meanwhile, Frank Carter is currently performing with the Sex Pistols, set to play at the Royal Albert Hall for a Teenage Cancer Fund on March 24.

A group featuring a replacement for Lidon has played a series of shows, including a UK autumn tour. They were announced as part of the loading for 2025, and an Australian and American tour have been confirmed for early next year.

Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones recently spoke with NME about Lidon not participating in their recent tour. He stated, “John is not interested in this. You think that you will get a negative reaction by doing this (without him), but I was surprised. There was no backlash. Fans in a few countries on Instagram didn’t even notice us without John. I understand the sentiment, but even those who came out of curiosity were drawn in after several songs.”

Jones went on to express, “I wish him all the best. He leaves this year for Pil again, and I hope he succeeds. I know this is a difficult time for him having lost his wife and best friend (Lidon’s wife Nora Forster and long-time friend and manager John Rambo both passed away in 2023).”