God Save the Queen

song by the Sex Pistols

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June 29, 2026

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"God Save the Queen" is a song by the British punk rock group the Sex Pistols, released in 1977. It became a symbol of the social and political turmoil in the United Kingdom during that era, particularly coinciding with Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee. The song was controversial and was banned by the British media, yet it still rose to number two on the charts.1

The Sex Pistols were instrumental in creating the British punk movement, known for their stylized image, ambitious lyrics, and raw musical energy. "God Save the Queen" was their second single, following "Anarchy in the U.K.". The song's provocative nature and the band's anti-establishment stance made them a national sensation and "public enemies number one".1

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the Sex Pistols
…released their second single, “God Save the Queen,” in June 1977 to coincide with Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee (the 25th anniversary of her accession to the throne). Although banned by the British media, the single rose rapidly to number two on the charts. As “public enemies number one,”…
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…released their second single, “God Save the Queen,” in June 1977 to coincide with Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee (the 25th anniversary of her accession to the throne). Although banned by the British media, the single rose rapidly to number two on the charts. As “public enemies number one,”…
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punk
…1977 chart successes (principally “God Save the Queen” and “Pretty Vacant”) made Britain the hotbed of the new youth movement, similar developments had occurred in France, Australia, and the United States (notably in Cleveland, Ohio, where the band Pere Ubu played a prominent role). Visits by British groups such…
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…1977 chart successes (principally “God Save the Queen” and “Pretty Vacant”) made Britain the hotbed of the new youth movement, similar developments had occurred in France, Australia, and the United States (notably in Cleveland, Ohio, where the band Pere Ubu played a prominent role). Visits by British groups such…
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Malcolm McLaren
…play its anti-authoritarian anthem “God Save the Queen” aboard a boat outside the Houses of Parliament in London.
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…play its anti-authoritarian anthem “God Save the Queen” aboard a boat outside the Houses of Parliament in London.
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