Punk legends the Sex Pistols have announced they will be re-releasing one of their most controversial songs in time for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

The once-banned punk rock anthem God Save The Queen was first released during the Queen’s silver jubilee in 1977 and it was banned by the BBC.

The group announced plans for the re-issue of the anti-authoritarian hit via Twitter.

The song originally reached number two in the UK singles charts and is the only time in chart history a track was listed with a blank title to avoid offence.

The band later promoted the record on their own Jubilee boat trip along the Thames which ended in their arrest.

At the time, the group were dropped by their record label A&M and the band released the single through Virgin after signing a new deal.


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When will Sex Pistols re-release God Save The Queen?

Falmouth Packet: God Save The Queen was first released during the Queen’s silver jubilee in 1977 and was banned by the BBC. Picture: PAGod Save The Queen was first released during the Queen’s silver jubilee in 1977 and was banned by the BBC. Picture: PA

This year, to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, 4,000 copies of the punk anthem will be re-released through Virgin, and 1977 copies of the rare A&M version will also be available.

The A&M version will include a B-side to the record of original release No Feelings, while the Virgin edition will have Did You No Wrong.

Both versions will recreate original artwork, with the A&M edition featuring its generic company sleeve and pressed on silver and platinum vinyl, while the Virgin single has Sex Pistols artwork designed by Jamie Reid.

Both singles were available for pre-order with the Virgin edition showing as already sold out. You can still pre-order the A&M version via the Sex Pistols website.