Last month, John Lydon teased his potential involvement as Ireland‘s act for Eurovision 2018. Now the punk legend — formerly known as Johnny Rotten — has confirmed the news. But it seems broadcaster RTÉ is yet to be convinced.

As revealed to The Irish Sun, the former Sex Pistols frontman has been paired with a song called “Pleased To Meet You”, written by Irish songwriter Niall Mooney. It is described as “cow punk” — a cross between country and punk.

If selected, Lydon would perform the song with his band Public Image Limited.

Lydon — who was born in English to Irish parents — told The Irish Sun of his enthusiasm for the contest. He said, “It would be a great honour for me to represent Ireland for the Eurovision Song Contest”.

https://twitter.com/Nialltweeting/status/937057143659941889

Songwriter Niall Mooney has plenty of experience with Ireland’s Eurovision selection. In 2009, he co-wrote Sinéad Mulvey & Black Daisy’s punk-pop song “Et Cetera”, which narrowly missed out on making the grand final in Moscow. The following year, he co-wrote Niamh Kavanagh’s comeback song, the ballad “It’s For You”, which placed 23rd in the Oslo grand final.

In 2013 Mooney was one of the five mentors in Eurosong. His act Zoe Alexis Bohorquez sang his co-written song “Fire”. She placed fourth-equal in the national final.

Mooney told The Irish Sun that he specifically thought of Lydon after attending the Eurovision forum held by RTÉ earlier this year.

He said, “RTE told us to find singers who are used to playing to big crowds, a catchy song and, most of all, something unexpected which has never been done before at Eurovision.”

Lydon — who has been performing to huge crowds around the world for well over 40 years — fits that description perfectly.

But RTÉ is yet to be convinced. A source told The Irish Sun, “This could be even worse for Ireland than Dustin the Turkey with John Lydon screaming into a microphone at Eurovision in Portugal next year.”

Who should Ireland send to Eurovision 2018?

Rumours have been flying around with other names said to be under consideration by RTÉ. Samantha Mumba — who had a number of hit singles in the very early 2000s — is said to be one potential name. The “Gotta Tell You” hitmaker has long been rumoured as a potential Irish artist, and earlier this year revealed that she would love to do Eurovision.

Also rumoured to be under consideration is an Irish boyband, who would reunite for Eurovision. The identity of the boyband is not known, but they are said to not be a high-profile group like Boyzone or Westlife.

But who do you think should represent Ireland at Eurovision 2018? Have your say in our poll, and tell us your thoughts in the comments section below!

[polldaddy poll=9888551]

FOLLOW ALL OUR IRELAND EUROVISION 2018 NEWS

Total
181
Shares
61 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Aisling
Aisling
6 years ago

Heathers would be a great duo to represent Ireland. Their song ‘Remember When’ was stuck in my head for years after I heard it in those tourits ads. They have already been confronted by RTÉ but have not said anything yet. I feel like they would be the people that we need to at least get into the final.

Stephen Lynch
6 years ago

NO. JUST NO.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
6 years ago

@Ron: Aye. Denmark took the boy-band route twice, in 2015 and 2016, and wiped out both times. Better to stay away from that idea.

Bgc
Bgc
6 years ago

I wouldn’t agree with all of his political views (he seems to contradict himself a lot, I think he just likes winding people up) but he’s still a respected artist who deserves to be taken seriously should he decide to enter. Where I’m a bit skeptical is when it comes to Niall Mooney’s involvement; I’d much prefer if Lydon and PiL were to enter with a tune of their own. Still overall there are far FAR worse choices Ireland could make. Even if it doesn’t work, at least it will have been interesting. Which, I’m sorry to say, last year’s… Read more »

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

Also, I know I was extremely harsh on Brendan Murray last year, so I’m sorry. With a more contemporary song and better staging, I would be glad to have him back over these other choices.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

Funny how the Wiwi vote has rejected all the obvious choices to go for “someone else.” I wonder if RTE will do the same.

AndyLamp
AndyLamp
6 years ago

I’m really feeling a Corrs comeback. Or the Cranberries. Or a spoken word tune featuring a shirtless Colin Farrell. Any of those.

Eva
Eva
6 years ago

LOL 😀 this could be interesting

Ted
Ted
6 years ago

It seems an insider from RTE said they are not keen on the idea: “This could be even worse for Ireland than Dustin the Turkey with John Lydon screaming into a microphone at Eurovision in Portugal next year.”

Thank God, it could have been an embarrassment for Ireland to send a recycled 61 years old punk artist… They should focus on young artists (but no guys with girly voices)… Just look how successful were countries like Belgium (2015-2017), Latvia (2016), Bulgaria (2017), Israel (2015-2017), Romania (2017), Denmark (2017) and so on…

Genevieve
Genevieve
6 years ago
Reply to  Ted

So top 10 in Kyiv had the teenagers – Bulgaria, Belgium, Romania. Is that what makes you think Ireland needs somebody young? It can be a mistake. In 2016 Serhat was almost in the final, guess televoters liked him more. What about Russia 2012? Ireland should give him a chance.

ryannn
ryannn
6 years ago

A girl submitted a song to 1in360, her name is Sarah Nanret (real name Sarah McTernan) and her cover of a song in the national selection for Iceland in 2016, “Eye of The Storm” was amazing, so I hope she could represent us. Also good luck to Deban and William and I hope you get all the votes you can get x)

John Thomas
John Thomas
6 years ago
Reply to  ryannn

Sarah is unreal, she was on the voice of Ireland in 2015 and came third. Her voice is powerful and with that song, eye of the storm? its such a powerhouse Eurovision song! I’d love if Sarah represented us, that way we would genuinely have a chance at winning!

Jonas
Jonas
6 years ago

Niall Mooney’s statement, as quoted in the article, doesn’t make much sense…considering that John Lydon has previously spoken out in support of Brexit, Donald Trump & Nigel Farage. I don’t want him anywhere near the contest. The man is a clown.

Ron
Ron
6 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

I wouldn’t read too much into his chances of selection. The story in the article is undoubtedly true but I’d imagine Lydon is not the sort of experienced performer RTE are looking for and that it would smack too much of a novelty / gimmick act given that he is now in his sixties.

NickC
NickC
6 years ago

Why cant they have a national final? Anyone interested should join, including John Lydon. It would be a more transparent and democratic process. If the old man still got it, he would win (being the experienced performer…yada yada). If he is a trainwreck, he would lose.

Kjetil
Kjetil
6 years ago
Reply to  NickC

Agree. Obviously having a nf didn’t really work for Ireland between 2013 and 2015, but it got even worse the two years after. Perhaps they should renew their nf concept (for example don’t host it during the late late show and get some more experienced music experts to choose the entries) and it could work out.

prissy marrisy
6 years ago

samantha mumba wud be amazing!

beccaboo1212
6 years ago
Reply to  prissy marrisy

You’re right! If so, Samantha can bring Ireland to ESC victory #8. 😀

Matt
Matt
6 years ago

I really think they should go for some traditionally Irish music, but fit for a modern song contest, along the lines of 2014, obviously that didn’t qualify, but I think that’s where they have the best chance.

Not this though, I said it before, he’d be an interesting mentor, but if punk rock is going to work in Eurovision it really needs to sound modern and the singer probably needs to be younger and hot (unfair but true)

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago

So, when can we expect Ireland to announce its artist for ESC 2018? I recall they were early off the mark last year! As for Johnny, not convinced…cow punk? Good god….

beccaboo1212
6 years ago
Reply to  blondboybc

RTÉ will reveal the Irish representative shortly after Christmas.

Tastee
6 years ago

“who was born in English to Irish parents” – wonderful grammar. who pays writers for such poor work?

ryannn
ryannn
6 years ago
Reply to  Tastee

It was just a typo..

Matthew
Matthew
6 years ago

Usually the Irish songs are good, it’s at the rehearsals where we mess up.

Hajiru30
Hajiru30
6 years ago

To be honest, I don’t think any of the options are the right choice for Ireland. I am sad to see Ireland not doing well lately, and I fear this guy or the other choices will make it worse. Please, Ireland. Please reconsider and use someone else. Someone that is going to help Ireland shine again. I hate that Ireland is now being made fun of because of the poor choices in songs and singers. I love Ireland as a country and their music is really good (UK has them beat though in many areas). I think Ireland should either… Read more »

Benito Bonito
Benito Bonito
6 years ago
Reply to  Hajiru30

So you want Johnny Logan, Niamh Kavanagh, or Linda Martin, but no John Lydon? Sorry, but John Lydon is GOLD, and nobody is making fun of him, and anyway, even if…this is part of the game, you can’t win without controversy.
No controversy=boring.

Cathal
Cathal
6 years ago
Reply to  Hajiru30

“UK has come back strong lately” ahem which of the two was the last country to reach the top 10? Ireland in 2011… Its easy to say the UK have been much better because they are guaranteed a spot in the final every year.

Richardinho
Richardinho
6 years ago

I don’t really know what to expect, but I do look forwards to hearing people trying to talk about the ‘staging’ of Johnny Rotten’s act!

D
D
6 years ago

This would be a trainwreck. Have they learned nothing from their neighbors in the UK? Has-beens are a terrible idea. Especially when it’s Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät 2.0. This would be destined for last place in the semi. My personal pick for Ireland would be Eden, but I doubt he’d ever do it. Ireland doesn’t have that big of a music industry, so I think their best choice is finding a talented newcomer and working on a song with them.

beccaboo1212
6 years ago
Reply to  D

I doubt Ireland would choose John Lydon. Besides, Lydon’s voice is annoying as hell. Hopefully Ireland sends either Samantha Mumba, or as I suggested below, Annabel Sweeney, that 16-year-old that performed with Celtic Woman at the 3Arena in September. 🙂

Cathal
Cathal
6 years ago
Reply to  D

You do realise Ireland produce the most singers the the world per capita?

M.
M.
6 years ago

Please no, they’ll only manage to get fooled of themselves… They should use Israel’s formula, or Belgium’s… Young artists with good voices. No more guys with girls voices, pls! Just use a winner from The Voice or X Factor, aren’t these shows in Ireland, too? Oh, and one more thing: no more Louis Walsh involvement, it’s embarassing!!!! Try someone younger, for the love of God…

Crystal
6 years ago
Reply to  M.

There has never been a solely Irish version of The X Factor, but Irish citizens have been eligible to participate in the British version (actually, there is no specific British or Irish citizenship requirement to participate on either X Factor or BGT; acts of any nationality can participate as long as they are legally allowed in the UK and have the necessary permits and visas to be eligible to work in the UK; hence why Saara Aalto was able to compete last year despite being from Finland and why Slavko was allowed to compete this year despite being from Montenegro).… Read more »

Kjetil
Kjetil
6 years ago
Reply to  M.

I agree that new talent might work out much better than “recycling artists” but just randomly picking someone just because they won The Voice could end up with another failure. Look at Jamie-Lee for example.

beccaboo1212
6 years ago
Reply to  Kjetil

Annabel Sweeney won RTÉ’s “Voice of an Angel” contest, thus going on to perform as a special guest at Dublin’s 3Arena as part of Celtic Woman’s “Voices of Angles” world tour. This puts Annabel Sweeney in the newcomers category. Hopefully Ireland sends her to Lisbon.

Ron
Ron
6 years ago

Apparently Dublin twin sister duo The Heathers are one of those in the frame for selection :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suvULQgSzQ4

Ron
Ron
6 years ago

You would think after two boyband singer flops in the last two years, RTE would be running a mile from anything boyband connected

Erasmus
Erasmus
6 years ago

I’m not going to lie, I would love to see an Irish boyband at ESC, or Jedward. About him, hmm. his style of music is not really my cup of tea, but if he sends a quality song, even in his style I’m happy, as long it’s not a gimmick.

Catherine
Catherine
6 years ago

I like Colm Wilkinson so much! Can RTE ask him? Or his son?

EnjaESC
EnjaESC
6 years ago

There’s a young songwriter named Soak…you can count on her,Ireland!

Bgc
Bgc
6 years ago
Reply to  EnjaESC

Soak is a very talented singer/songwriter but I doubt she’d agree to do Eurovision, it doesn’t seem like it would be “her thing”. She’s a singer who’s much more suited to a small, quiet intimate venue rather than a big Eurovision stage (although I suppose people may have said that about Salvador Sobral as well)

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

I’m not going to say it’s like the Hump but Ireland seems to be doing the UK thing: Sending former big names thinking recognition alone is reason it will do well. Like Bonnie Tyler.
I want something new and fresh from Ireland, not something old and expired

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

The inexperience on the stage was particularly an issue this year.

Laobanniang
Laobanniang
6 years ago

I would really like to see Orthodox Celts representing Ireland.

lazarkoo
lazarkoo
6 years ago
Reply to  Laobanniang

They are from Serbia. 🙂

Punkkk
Punkkk
6 years ago

Yes please! Music legend with his new punk band for Ireland! This is, what makes Eurovision interesting. No more generic pop with no name singers!

Paul
Paul
6 years ago

I cannot understand the comparisons to Englebert Humperdinck. Jonny Rottern is iconic (whether u like his music or not) and the Hump was pretty much a one hit wonder who just had a name people thought was amusing!!

Also – genres!!

beccaboo1212
6 years ago

How about Annabel Sweeney? She performed with Celtic Woman at the 3Arena in September. 🙂

Carmen
Carmen
6 years ago

Relax L’oiseau.

Carmen
Carmen
6 years ago

Can’t you add that option now? It will have many votes in a second. Ireland is not doing well when it plays safe. That makes me think that they’ve sent Jedward as ”Dustin 2.0”, and probably they were not expecting Jedward’s success. So weird. Still JLogan pattern is in their mind.

Carmen
Carmen
6 years ago

He is not at all like Engelbert, but I’m afraid esc fans will see him like Engelbert 2.0 and this is a shame. Is not at all the same story. And I thought he might not want to do esc, now I’m shocked that the broadcaster is the one having second thoughts. Agree with the idea of releasing a few seconds of the chorus.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
6 years ago
Reply to  Carmen

In other words, you think that, the sooner they see John Lydon/Johnny Rotten on stage (who will be 62 before May 2018), the first thing that will pop into their minds is “Oh, great; another aging has-been”, and they’ll dismiss him just as quickly. I’m in full agreement with you. The sooner they record the song (maybe a week or two after), they should go the MF route and release 30 to 45 seconds of it, to see if the people think it will qualify for the Grand Final or send Ireland packing once again; this time, with more non-qualifiers… Read more »

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

Go for gold.

Josh
Josh
6 years ago

How about BoyzLife? 😀

Josh
Josh
6 years ago

I feel Ireland are going through what the UK did around the early 2010s with sending Engelbert etc. The UK still aren’t there but are getting better with national finals etc. They’re turning it around. Ireland need to do the same.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago

Ain’t no one have high hopes for Ireland anymore. They best just go balls to the wall and try to stand out rather than trying to win with a generic song and artist.

Carmen
Carmen
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

You are right, but this is the secret of success. This is how Eastern Europe started to do well in early 2000, because they’ve lost hope of winning. And after you lose hope, and you only care about standing out, then you start being yourself, and this will bring the glass microphone.

Craig
Craig
6 years ago

Here’s an idea…release all or part of the song, and see what people think?

Carmen
Carmen
6 years ago
Reply to  Craig

Good idea.

Elmar
Elmar
6 years ago

Oh… It could be really interesting to be honest. Go for it, Ireland!

Pablo
Pablo
6 years ago

Again, I’m not even mad. 😐

I want to see this happen. Can’t do or look much worse than past years.