Public Image Ltd.- Poptones & Careering (American Bandstand 1980)

Support Pil buy Metal Box here ABC, ’American Bandstand’. PiL’s, hilarious, and now infamous, ’performance’ on the prime time US pop show is broadcast on National TV. Pre-recorded on 3rd May, PiL mime to ’Poptones’ and ’Careering.’ Presenter Dick Clarke introduces the band as, “a memorable moment in rock n roll, something special and interesting“. The longstanding mainstream music show is thrown into chaos as Lydon invites almost the entire audience up to dance with the band on stage! John barely pretends to mime, and the band swap instruments. Lydon later commented, “I forgot the words to the song, and I was miming really badly, so I had to act quick. And did. Perfect!“ When asked to introduce themselves to Dick Clark Wobble replies, “Wobble. THE Jah Wobble“. The pair have actually already met backstage, apparently Clark walked in on Wobble while he was trying to have a quick sleep. “I’m Wobble, who are you“ he’s reported to have asked, “I’m Dick Clarke“ he replies, “Good“ wobble snaps, “Well fuck off“! Rumour has it that Dick Clark had asked Larry White before the show “What can I expect from this asshole?“ Surely a case that you should be careful what you wish for! Despite the chaos, Dick Clark later protested, “(Lydon) told me he was going to be rambunctious. I said ’be my guest’. We were in total control.“ Yeah, Dick it looked like it Clark later votes the appearance the Top 8th ever on ’American Bandstand’.