It was announced, some months ago, that Public Image Limited, the band of ex-Sex Pistol John Lydon, would participate in the Irish national final. 'Hawaii' was a song dedicated to Lydon's wife who was suffering from Alzheimer's. It would have been quite fabulous to see PiL representing Ireland this year, but somehow the Irish chose for a middle of the road, 'once heard quickly forgotten' song by a young band. Well, at least there's this 7" single which presents the song in two versions. I didn't know Lydon was also a visual artist, but it was he who created the artwork.
My collection: 7" single no. 6988
Found: Amazon, received 11 May 2023
Tracks: 'Hawaii' / 'Hawaii (edit)'
Ufortunately, even at 67, Lydon is still regarded as an "establishment threat". Coupled with being English, the Irish were never going to choose this for Eurovision (and they once sent a puppet turkey!). No matter how great it is, it's not Eurovision material in that context. That said, the Irish lads, like the Dutch, were not as bad as some of those that made it to the final. Let's just say that the puppet turkey is still being paid for with the Eurovision higher-ups. For a self-described "non-political" entity, Eurovision sure is political!
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