Pistols to Roast the Queen Again

Almost a quarter century has passed since the Sex Pistols offered their questionable prophecy that "there is no future." With a single exception, the members of the band have proved to be more resilient punks than soothsayers, as the Pistols are planning to celebrate their twenty-fifth anniversary with a re-release of "God Save the Queen" on May 27th. And just as the original release of the controversial song coincided with Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in June 1977, the reissued song is timed for the Queen's Golden Jubilee, marking fifty years since her accession to the throne.

The band's label, Virgin UK, plans to release the single in a trio of formats, 7- and 12-inch vinyl, as well as CD, with original artwork, save a color swap to reflect the twenty-five-year jump from silver to gold. A Pistols box set is also scheduled for release in early June in the U.K.

The announcement comes just a day after initial plans were revealed for the Queen's celebration of the anniversary of her crowining. Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Phil Collins and Tom Jones are among the entertainers who will perform at Buckingham Palace on June 3rd to mark the occasion.

ANDREW DANSBY
(February 28, 2002)