Sex Pistols' 'God Save The Queen' is top selling vinyl single of 2022 so far
It was reissued to coincide with the Platinum Jubilee
Sex Pistols’ reissue of ‘God Save The Queen’ is the biggest selling vinyl album of 2022 so far.
To coincide with the Platinum Jubilee, Sex Pistols reissued their anti-monarchy anthem ‘God Save The Queen’ in May on two limited-edition 7” vinyl formats.
The first was an A&M version limited to 1,977 copies and a Virgin version limited to 4,000 copies.
Both vinyl releases completely sold out, and, according newly released figures from the Official Charts Company, ‘God Save The Queen’ was the top selling vinyl single in the first six months of 2022.
Other releases of note inside the Official Vinyl Singles Chart 2022 (so far) include David Bowie’s ‘Brilliant Adventure EP’ (no.5), Ghost’s ‘Hunter’s Moon’ (no.6), Foo Fighters’ ‘Making A Fire’ (no.7) and The Clash’s ‘Rock The Casbah’ (no.8).
Originally released during Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee in 1977 via A&M Records, Sex Pistols were swiftly dropped by their record label and A&M destroyed 25,000 copies of the ‘God Save The Queen’, making the handful of copies remaining ultra-rare collectibles.
‘God Save The Queen’ was then released via Richard Branson’s Virgin Records and it peaked at Number 2 on the Official Singles Chart despite being banned by the BBC.
A new Sex Pistols compilation album called ‘The Original Recordings’ was released in May to mark the launch of Danny Boyle’s Sex Pistols TV series, Pistol.
John Lydon berated both ‘The Original Recordings’ and ‘Pistol’ in scathing public statements.
In August 2021, Lydon lost a High Court battle in London to stop the Sex Pistols’ music from being used Pistol.
13 rock stars who rejected awards and honours, including Sex Pistols:
David Bowie - Knighthood (2003), CBE (2000)
The Thin White Duke snubbed two honours from The Queen – first a CBE at the turn of the millennium and then a Knighthood in 2003. "I would never have any intention of accepting anything like that," Bowie said of becoming a 'Sir.' Asked to comment on Mick Jagger, who accepted a Knighthood the previous year, Bowie said: "I seriously don't know what (the Knighthood is) for. It's not what I spent my life working for. It's not my place to make a judgment on Jagger, it's his decision. But it's just not for me."
Iron Maiden – Vodafone Live Music Award (2008)
Back in August 2008, Iron Maiden asked to be removed from the Vodafone Live Music Awards shortlist after being nominated for the Best Live Return award. The legendary heavy metal band rightfully questioned whether they were eligible for the gong as they had never stopped touring. Iron Maiden called the nomination "very flattering" but added: "We are not quite sure where we are returning from." Manchester indie band James were added to the shortlist instead.
Axl Rose – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2012)
When Guns N' Roses made the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2012, Axl Rose issued a letter declining his honour and confirming he won't be attending the ceremony. "I strongly request that I not be inducted in absentia and please know that no one is authorised nor may anyone be permitted to accept any induction for me or speak on my behalf," Rose wrote. "Neither former members, label representatives nor the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should imply whether directly, indirectly or by omission that I am included in any purported induction of Guns N' Roses." The Rock Hall refused Axl Rose's request, saying in response: "We are looking forward to still inducting Guns N' Roses this weekend and will proceed forward with our original plan whether Axl is present or not.
Sex Pistols – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2006)
Sex Pistols were named among the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Class of 2006 alongside Black Sabbath, Blondie, Miles Davis and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Despite their honour, John Lydon issued a scathing rejection letter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Sex Pistols' official website. "Next to the Sex Pistols, rock and roll and that hall of fame is a piss stain. Your museum. Urine in wine. We're not coming," Lydon wrote. He continued: "We're not your monkey and so what? Fame at $25,000 if we paid for a table, or $15000 to squeak up in the gallery, goes to a non-profit organisation selling us a load of old famous. Congratulations. If you voted for us, hope you noted your reasons. You're anonymous as judges, but you're still music industry people. We're not coming. You're not paying attention."
Brian Eno – CBE (2007)
Legendary musician, solo artist and producer Brian Eno turned down the chance to become a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2007. He didn't issue a statement explaining his reasons.
John Lennon - Returned MBE (1969)
In October 1965, all four members of The Beatles were honoured with MBEs by The Queen at Buckingham Palace. Four years later, John Lennon took his MBE medal from his Aunt Mimi's bungalow in Bournemouth and returned it to Buckingham Palace in protest at the British government supporting the Nigerian government in a civil war, which saw the unrecognised state of Biafra become embroiled in a bloody conflict. Lennon's letter to The Queen read: "Your Majesty, I am returning my MBE as a protest against Britain's involvement in the Nigeria-Biafra thing, against our support of America in Vietnam and against 'Cold Turkey' slipping down the charts. With love. John Lennon of Bag"
Ozzy Osbourne – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (1999)
Nominated for a third consecutive year, Ozzy Osbourne demanded that Black Sabbath were removed from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame shortlist in 1999. "Just take our name off the list. Save the ink. Forget about us," Ozzy blasted. "The nomination is meaningless because it's not voted on by the fans. It's voted on by the supposed elite for the industry and the media, who've never bought an album or concert ticket in their lives, so their vote is irrelevant to me. Let's face it, Black Sabbath has never been media darlings. We're a people's band and that suits us just fine." Despite the diatribe, Black Sabbath were induced into the Rock Hall in 2006 and Ozzy attended the ceremony alongside Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward.
Keith Richards – ‘Refused CBE’
Although Keef himself hasn't corroborated it, numerous news outlets around the globe have reported that the legendary Rolling Stones guitarist turned down a CBE from the Queen. It's easy to believe, however, as Richards publicly lambasted his band mate Mick Jagger after he was knighted. Confirming he went "bezerk", Richards told Uncut: "I thought it was ludicrous to take one of those gongs from the establishment when they did their very best to throw us in jail and kill us at one time."
Avenged Sevenfold – The Grammys (2018)
Although Avenged Sevenfold said they were "honoured" to make the shortlist for Best Rock Song at The Grammys in 2018 for 'The Stage', they boycotted the ceremony as the category was removed from the telecast part of the show. "Unfortunately, they have taken 'Best Rock Song' off the telecast this year, so we won't be attending. Maybe next time," they tweeted. In an angry text to US radio presenter Eddie Trunk, singer M. Shadows blasted: "Rock Song of the year can't get two minutes? … And they put us in some side venue no one gives a f--- about? F--- that, waste of time and money." Ultimately it didn't matter anyway as Foo Fighters' 'Run' was named Best Rock Song.
George Harrison - OBE (2000)
Already an MBE, late Beatles legend George Harrison turned down an OBE three years after Paul McCartney received the higher honour of a knighthood. Harrison's friend Roy Connolly said in 2013: "Whoever it was who decided to offer him the OBE and not the knighthood was extraordinarily insensitive. George would have felt insulted and with very good reason."
Paul Weller - CBE (2007)
The Jam frontman turned esteemed solo star turned down a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) in the Queen's New Year Honours list in 2007. A spokesperson for Paul Weller said at the time: "Paul was surprised and flattered, but it wasn't really for him."
Dolly Parton – Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (2022)
Country legend Dolly Parton was named among the typically eclectic 17 acts on the shortlist for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in February 2022. A month later she issued a statement rejecting the nomination and saying she does not "feel that I have earned (the) right" to be included on the list. She also explained that she does not "want votes to be split because of me" so she must "respectfully bow out." Parton later made a U-turn about her decision and she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November 2022.
John Lydon – 'CBE and OBE'
Speaking to NME in 2015, Sex Pistols and Public Image Ltd. singer John Lydon claimed he has batted off attempts by the monarchy to honour him. He said: "Oh, they're trying to give me an OBE or an MBE or whatever that is. Nope, not interested."