FILE: Nearly 35 years to the day since its original release, Universal Music re-releases the Sex Pistols' 'God Save the Queen' in time for the Diamond Jubilee

Record ID: 335341

  • Title: FILE: Nearly 35 years to the day since its original release, Universal Music re-releases the Sex Pistols' 'God Save the Queen' in time for the Diamond Jubilee
  • Date: 30th May 2012
  • Summary: VARIOUS OF SEX PISTOLS REHEARSING
  • Embargoed: 14th June 2012 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: United Kingdom
  • Country: United Kingdom
  • Topics: Arts,Royalty
  • Reuters ID: LVA2VFOSL5MBZQMVU9W7698NJIT3
  • Story Text: Universal Music re-released the Sex Pistols' alternative UK national anthem 'God Save the Queen' on Monday (May 28).
    It is 35 years and a day since it was first released amid a barrage of controversy during the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977.
    Unlike some other Pistols' songs, there was no swearing, but queen was made to rhyme with "fascist regime" and listeners were told that "she ain't no human being" and "there's no future in England's dreaming".
    At the time the BBC among others refused to play it but it still reached Number 2 in the UK singles charts.
    Ten years ago, the band reformed for the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
    At the time, the Pistols' frontman John Lydon, formerly known as John Rotten, gave his views on the Royal Family.
    "This is our country, this is our flag, they are our monarchy, they don't work too well at the moment but lets make the f**kers do a good job, get rid of a few of the useless ones and keep the goodies," he said.
    The album from which the single is taken 'Never Mind The Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols' will also be re-released in the UK in September.
  • Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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