God Save the Queen

Punk Rock 3:13 Controversial Disco, Punk & Funk

AlbumNever Mind the Bollocks

LabelVirgin

Released during the Queen's Silver Jubilee in June 1977. Banned by the BBC, most commercial radio, and major retailers. Despite this, it reportedly reached #1 in the UK (the chart was officially shown as blank for that slot). A&M records destroyed 25,000 copies before dropping the band.

Musical Significance

The ultimate act of anti-establishment pop provocation: releasing an attack on the monarchy during the nation's celebration of it. The cover, with a safety pin through the Queen's lip, became the iconic image of punk.

Historical Context

Released at the height of Queen Elizabeth's Silver Jubilee celebrations. Britain was economically depressed; the establishment was staging pageantry while 1.3 million were unemployed. Punk saw the Jubilee as obscene.