It seems that John Lydon has apparently mellowed.

Speaking to British tabloid The Sun ahead of the release of PiL‘s new album, What The World Needs Now…, Lydon was reportedly asked for his opinion on boyband, One Direction.

“The thing with those boys is, they can really sing. Fair play to them,” Lydon reportedly said.

He added: “I’m never going to put another artist down. Anyone who wants to make music is all right by me.”

What The World Needs Now… is PiL’s tenth album. It is released on September 4, preceded by lead single “Double Trouble” on August 21.

PiL have also announced details of an upcoming tour of the UK and Europe. Lydon and co will undertake a 23-date run of shows, beginning in Glasgow on September 18, before playing Manchester, Bristol, London and other major cities.

The band will then play several Europeans dates, with North American shows to be announced. See their live schedule in full below.

Public Image Ltd will play:

Glasgow 02 ABC (September 18)
Manchester Academy (19)
Newcastle Riverside (20)
York Fibbers (22)
Coventry Warwick University (23)
Bristol 02 Academy (25)
Buckley Tivoli (26)
Reading Sub 89 (27)
Bexhill De La Warr Pavilion (29)
Norwich UEA (30)
London 02 Shepherds Bush Empire (October 2)
Frome Cheese and Grain (3)
Southampton Engine Rooms (4)

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