'You have to destroy in order to create' – How the Sex Pistols sparked outrage
BBC'You have to destroy in order to create' – How the Sex Pistols sparked outrage Getty Images With its provocative title and lyrics that openly attacked the UK establishment, on this day in 1977 the Sex Pistols' God Save The Queen sparked outrage with its release. Getty Images The Sex Pistols released their controversial single God Save the Queen in 1977 – the Silver Jubilee year With its DIY spirit and anti-authority stance, punk was a response to boredom, social conformity and alienation that many young people felt. His co-presenter Maggie Norden, who was actually much younger than the band's manager Malcolm McLaren, "Well, that's an accusation by people who really don't understand what kids want," said McLaren. The Sex Pistols' impact reverberated far beyond their brief career, and God Save the Queen has lost none of its potency On 7 June, less than two weeks after God Save the Queen's release, the band chartered a boat to go down the River Thames, defiantly performing the song as they cruised past the Houses of Parliament.
History of this topic
Sex Pistols are back with a new singer, Australian tour, and a renewed love of playing
ABC
Jamie Reid, artist who defined the punk aesthetic with Sex Pistols record covers, dies at 76
LA Times
John Lydon says it’s ‘tasteless’ if Sex Pistols benefit from the death of Queen Elizabeth II
The Independent
Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones: ‘The monarchy means nothing to me’
The Independent
Platinum jubilee: I worked with Sex Pistols on God Save The Queen – it’s high time for revolution. Who’s with me?
The Independent
Johnny Rotten says he ‘totally respects’ the Queen – but still hates the monarchy
The Independent
Anarchy in the UK: How the Sex Pistols’ snarling manifesto changed the face of punk
The Independent
Sex Pistols playlist: 10 broadsides that shook the world
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