Public Image Limited
June 18, 1979
Manchester, UK @ Russell Club (aka The Factory)
SBD > ? > flac > CDR

1. Chant
2. Swan Lake (aka Death Disco)
3. Memories
4. Public Image  [false start #1]
5. Public Image  [false start #2]
6. Public Image
7. Annalisa
8. No Birds Do Sing  
9. Albatross (audience source)
10.  Johnny Rotten interview on Robert Valk Show (unknown date)

John Lydon: Vocals
Keith Levene: Guitar
Jah Wobble: Bass
Richard Dudanski: Drums

This recording surfaced on the internet sometime in 2004 and having never appeared on bootleg before, it's a real find. Obviously recorded from the mixing desk, despite a little hiss, the quality is excellent throughout. Easily the best quality early bootleg in existence.

This gig at the pre-Hacienda 'Factory' was arranged at the last minute while PiL were in Manchester to record two tracks for Granada TV, and as John comments it is effectively a live rehearsal. This was the first time they had played any new material from 'Metal Box' and four new tracks are premiered; 'Death Disco' 'Memories', 'No Birds Do Sing'& 'Albatross'. 

It was also Richard Dudanski's first live appearance with the band, though despite Wobble saying during the show he had only been in the band 3 days, Dudanski had joined up to six weeks before. He was obviously more familiar with the new material. Despite a few shaky moments, most notably on 'Public Image', the band are in good spirit and joke along with the audience about the situation, "We admit our mistakes, we know we have many?

When they click, they really click. You can literally hear the new songs coming together. Parts of 'Swan Lake' & 'No Birds' are outstanding, and with the looseness and relaxed nature of the set, it is a truly unique PiL recording. An absolute must have for 'Metal Box' fans?