Punk rock icon Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols to battle for Eurovision spot representing Ireland

Dublin — Former Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon, better known by his stage name Johnny Rotten, is among musicians competing to represent Ireland at this year's Eurovision Song Contest, broadcaster RTE announced Monday. The punk frontman's band Public Image Ltd will be among six acts in the running to represent Ireland at Eurovision in Liverpool in May.

Lyndon's group, first formed in the aftermath of his split from the Sex Pistols in 1978, will battle it out in a TV special with the acts including Dublin four-piece Wild Youth.

The national competition in February will be decided by a combination of Irish and international experts as well as a public vote.