This weekend's entertainment offers some nostalgia, showcasing rebellious rock music, a pop radio icon, and a band renowned for its significant contributions to American music with smooth harmonies. There’s also medical-themed comedy and a local music show.
HOT PICK
Thursday: Public Image Ltd at Pappy and Harriet’s
Rock: After the Sex Pistols broke up in 1978, frontman John Lydon resurfaced with a new band that wasn’t punk, but “anti-rock,” with a dub, reggae, funk, and New Wave sound called Public Image Ltd. The band has never eclipsed the Sex Pistols, but Lydon has had significant success and hit singles such as "Public Image," "This Is Not a Love Song," and "Rise."
Throughout the ‘80s, Lydon and the band’s music fit the colorful ‘80s New Wave aesthetics and fashions while rejecting them at the same
time. Lydon also collaborated with rapper Afrika Bambaataa on the 1984 song “World Destruction.”
In 2023, Public Image Ltd released their 11th album, “End of the World,” which Lydon dedicated to his wife, Nora Forster, who died that year from Alzheimer's disease. It featured the singles “Hawaii” and “Penge.”
Public Image Ltd will perform on Thursday at Pappy and Harriet’s. The current lineup of the band includes Lydon, guitarist Lu Edmonds, bassist Scott Firth, and drummer Mark Roberts.
If you go: 7 p.m., Thursday, Pappy and Harriet’s, 53-688 Pioneertown Road, Pioneertown. Tickets $75.90. pappyandharriets.com
BEST BETS
Friday: Nurse John at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
Comedy: There is a growing trend of nurses, paramedics, and pharmacists getting into stand-up comedy, and it's no surprise that many of them have funny stories to share. One of the pioneers in this movement is Nurse John, who gained popularity on social media by sharing hilarious anecdotes from his experiences in the hospital, including interactions with patients and insights into medical procedures.
Nurse John will perform on Friday at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
If you go: 8 p.m., Friday, Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway, Indio. Tickets $52.50 to $82.50. fantasyspringsresort.com
R&B: The Detroit record label Motown changed American music during the 1960s, and its roster of R&B artists popularized Black music, influencing artists across genres and for generations to follow. The Temptations were one of its most successful groups and are still going today. Even though Otis Williams is the last surviving member, the band is still dedicated to performing its hit songs for fans.
The Temptations will perform on Friday at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa.
If you go: 8 p.m., Friday, Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa, 32-250 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. Tickets $44 to $99. aguacalientecasinos.com
Pop: During the ‘80s, Taylor Dayne asked a question disguised as a love song with the hit single “Tell It To My Heart.” She also had other hits, such as “Prove Your Love,” “Don’t Rush Me,” “I’ll Be Your Shelter,” and “Love Will Lead You Back,” at the same time Madonna, Whitney Houston, and Janet Jackson were dominating the radio.
Dayne will perform on Friday at Spotlight 29 Casino.
If you go: 8 p.m., Friday, Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place, Coachella. Tickets start at $28.50. spotlight29.com
Saturday: Arthur Seay and the Riffkillers
Rock: Local musician and Unida guitarist Arthur Seay has a new band called the Riffkillers, featuring local musicians Jason Zembo of Whitewater on vocals and Quanah Lienau of Fever Dog on bass.
Arthur Seay and the Riffkillers will perform on Saturday at The Dune Room. Mēk, featuring Tye Zamora of Alien Ant Farm, and local metal band Brain Vat will also perform.
If you go: 8 p.m., Saturday, The Dune Room, 82-707 Miles Ave., Indio. Tickets $15 in advance, $20 at the door. duneroomindio.com
Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment for the Desert Sun. He can be reached at brian.blueskye@desertsun.com
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: 5 concerts to see this weekend include Public Image Ltd, Taylor Dayne
