John Lydon has announced plans to reform his influential post-punk act Public Image Limited this December for five live dates in the UK. The shows, celebrating the 30th anniversary of the full length Metal Box, will be the group's first in 17 years. Lydon will be joined on stage by former guitarist Lu Edmonds and drummer Bruce Smith, with new bassist Scott Firth. A new website has been launched by the band at pilofficial.com.

Lydon formed Public Image Limited in 1978 following the implosion of the Sex Pistols. The original line up included one-time The Clash guitarist Keith Levene, bassist Jah Wobble and drummer Jim Walker. The group ran with various lineups and guest stars through 1993, in that run releasing eight full-lengths.