The emblematic Punk Rock song “God Save The Queen” by the Sex Pistols was released on this day in 1977
It was regarded by many of the general public as an assault on Queen Elizabeth II and the monarchy
The emblematic Punk Rock song “God Save The Queen” by the Sex Pistols was released on this day in 1977
Regarded by many of the general public as an assault on Queen Elizabeth II and the monarchy, “God Save The Queen” was written by the Sex Pistols (before Sid Vicious joined the band to replace original bass player and composer Glen Matlock) and it was the band’s second single after their debut “Anarchy In The U.K”. Featuring an explosive lyrical content, such as its equation of the Queen with a “fascist regime” and “there is no future in England’s dreaming”, the controversial song, released on May 27, 1977, was banned by the BBC and the Independent Broadcasting Authority which regulated Independent Local Radio. On at least one singles chart for the period, the song’s position at No. 2 was represented by a blank line. “God Save the Queen” was later featured on the band’s only album, “Never Mind the Bollocks, Here are the Sex Pistols”, with the song’s closing refrain, becoming emblematic of the punk rock movement. On 7 June 1977—the Queen’s Silver Jubilee holiday, the band attempted to play the song from a boat named Queen Elizabeth on the River Thames, near the Palace of Westminster, the performance was interrupted when eleven people, including Malcolm McLaren, the man who organised the concert, and several other members of the band’s entourage, were arrested when the boat docked, making this event one of Rock’s most seminal moments. The single was originally pressed on the A&M label before the label canceled their contract and they signed with Virgin. The A&M pressings are now among the most valuable records ever pressed in the UK, with a resale value as of 2006 of between £500 to £13,000 a copy, depending on the condition of the disc.
Look back at the 1977 music video for “God Save The Queen” by the Sex Pistols
Watch more 1970’s related videos
Images and photographs can be from different ranges of sources such as Pinterest, Tumblr etc. except when/where noted. If you are the copyright holder and would like them removed or credited, please get in touch.
