God Save The Queen - We Mean It Mannnnnn!
Today, June 2nd, marks the highpoint of the Diamond Jubilee, a celebration of Queen Lizzy’s coronation 60 years ago. People in the UK and around the world are split into two distinctive camps when it comes to the British monarchy. Some see as part of the England's heritage and a symbol of their longevity. Others see the monarchy as useless, undeserving of the privilege, status and wealth that drains the public coffers. Whether you’re a monarchist or a republican, you can’t deny Lizzy who has been rock-solid in her reign and has carried out her duties with all the grace expected of a queen.
Rock has not always seen it that way. The Sex Pistols famously released the punk classic “God Save The Queen” around the time of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee (25th anniversary) in ’77. With lyrics like “she ain’t no human being”, “the fascist regime” and that "England's dreaming" there was “no future”, the song was instantly banned from most radio stations. Most people missed the point. Johnny Rotten’s song was about the contemptuous treatment of England’s working classes. The unemployment rate at the time, especially with the nation's youth, was unacceptably high. Rotten explained, “"You don't write a song like 'God Save The Queen' because you hate the English race. You write a song like that because you love them and you're fed up of seeing them mistreated." When you get to know him you find that Johnny is actually a patriot. I've always thought the song was just a gimmick. You be the judge:
On June 7th, 1997, the Sex Pistols took their contempt to the streets...or actually to the water. They performed a set from from a barge on the River Thames alongside the Palace of Westminster. When the barge finally docked, the police were there, waiting to arrest them. Check out the footage below, Sorry about the grainy quality, they didn't have digital back then.
Today 977 HTZ-FM is celebrating the Diamond Jubilee in our own twisted way with the Kings & Queens Coronation Saturday. We'll feature music from Queen, Queens of the Stone Age, "Metal Queen, Kings of Leon, "King Nothing" King Crimson, BB King...you get the idea. All day Saturday!