John Lydon and his band Public Image Ltd have failed in their bid to represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest.
The former Sex Pistols frontman’s post-punk group, formed in 1978, entered the song Hawaii into the country’s selection process and took to the stage during a special ‘Eurosong’ edition of RTE’s ‘The Late Late Show’ on Friday night.
Described as a “love letter” to Lydon’s wife of nearly 50 years, Nora, who has Alzheimer’s disease, it was one of six songs to be opened up to a national and international jury and public telephone vote to determine which track would progress to the Semi-Finals of Eurovision.
Towards the end of the evening, it was announced that We Are One by the band Wild Youth had narrowly defeated Midnight Summer Night by Connolly, with PiL’s song finishing in fourth position.
The other acts included Andrew Carr (also known as ADGY), Leila Jane, and the duo K Muni & ND, made up of Kofi Appiah and Nevlonne Dampare.
“This song we pieced together to try and tell the story as genuinely as we could without breaking down in tears,” said Lydon at the start of the show. “It is going to be a difficult one for me tonight.
“I recommend Hawaii to everyone for a holiday because it is the best Alzheimer’s cure.”
Following his performance, the show’s panel of experts – including former ‘X Factor UK’ contestants and Irish Eurovision entrants Jedward – shared their thoughts on the entry.
John from Jedward said: “The song comes from a place of love, acceptance and calmness. A delicate song might stand out if it did go to Eurovision.
“It is heartbreaking what is happening with his wife.”
Edward added: “I am not so sure it is a song for Eurovision.”
Reflecting on their success in progressing to represent Ireland during the Semi-Finals, Wild Youth singer Conor O’Donohoe said: “Thank you to everyone who voted for us, we are overwhelmed, we hope everyone can get behind the song and that we can do everyone in Ireland proud.
“We want to thank all of our families, they have supported us from day one.”
