Say what you like about John Lydon (or Rotten), the man is never predictable. Beginning as frontman of the Sex Pistols and leader of the UK’s most famous musical movement, he has maintained a presence in the spotlight ever since, through appearances on naff reality TV, occasional reunion gigs and, most recently, a turn advertising butter. What kept his reputation as a serious musician alive through all this is Public Image Limited (PiL). Formed right after the Pistols’ demise, their influence still reigns supreme, with Foals, Bloc Party and hordes of other bands owing much to them.

Lydon’s pledge to use all the money he got from advertising butter to re-form PiL was a bit tarnished by the revelation that he would actually like to do more commercials. But it’s still fantastic to see him back onstage. Just hearing a few notes of PiL’s untamed funk reminds you instantly of what a departure this new band was for Lydon.

Punk rock was a movement where musical ability came second to emotion and spirit, whereas PiL, ultimately, is a showcase for musicianship: each of their songs is built around raucous, dub reggae bass lines, neat percussion and sharp guitar riffs. Lydon’s role in PiL, especially live, is more as compere than a focal point. His vocals are like chants, railing against religion, government, racism, whatever takes his fancy, allowing the lucid waves of PiL’s lengthy compositions to do most of the talking — which they do, with Religion, This Is Not a Love Song and Bags all outstanding.

Onstage in the Academy, Lydon remains as outspoken as ever, baiting the crowd throughout and even starting the set by saying “Hello poor people . . . don’t worry, I’m still one of you.” This isn’t true of course; most of us would have settled for an easy life after the Pistols; only one-offs like Lydon have the courage to form a band like PiL. Both he and PiL are certainly worth celebrating.