John Lydon has distanced himself from the Sex Pistols following reports of a deal, citing accusations that they were trying to profit off the death of Queen Elizabeth II. This statement was issued by Public Image Ltd on their Twitter feed on John Lyndons behalf.

John wrote the lyrics to this historical song, and while he has never supported the monarchy, he feels that the family deserves some respect in this difficult time, as would be expected for any other person or family when someone close to them has died.

— Public Image Ltd (@pilofficial) September 15, 2022

The agreement with BMG includes key singles from the album Never mind The Bollocks including “Anarchy In The UK”, “God Save The Queen” and “Pretty Vacant”. Their 1977 single “God Save the Queen” was banned by the BBC in the UK and appeared at No. 2 on the Official Singles chart, leading to accusations that the song was purposely kept off the top spot. For the only time in chart history, the track was listed as a blank, to avoid offence to the establishment. Along with retailers such as Woolworths and WHSmith refusing to stock the single.

The company’s VP in music publishing, Michael Howe, added, “Steve, Paul, and Sid’s works with Sex Pistols are among the most important cultural and creative music of the last half-century. “Their impact on society and the performing arts is orders of magnitude greater than the group’s incredibly brief lifespan and recorded output would suggest. The band’s influence resonates as deeply today as it did in 1977.” During this interview Steve Jones added, “Where’s my money?!”

The Sex Pistols may have only had two years of active performance, yet the impact they had on music and culture is tremendous and everlasting. This point is exceptionally highlighted by their seminal 1977 debut record album Never Mind the Bollocks, which is indisputably considered one of the most exhilarating and influential albums in punk rock music history.

In a recent statement BMG said “Sex Pistols are among the most important and recognisable rock bands in history, and their legacy is felt across fashion, art and society.”

To purchase the album Never Mind the Bollocks click here.

The London’s 100 club was the location it took place to support the release of his new album, Consequences Coming, which was released last week. In the announcement of the gig, Matlock wrote: “I wander what type of warrant I’ll get?! Come on down to the 100 club this Saturday and find out.”

Matlock’s updated version features lyrics that does not shy away from addressing contemporary issues such as climate change, Brexit, and the Black Lives Matter movement. The lyrics also showcase Matlock’s wit and humor, as he critiques the current state of politics and society.

Ahead of the show, Matlock made it clear that he will not be changing the lyrics to the band’s iconic protest anthem because he believed that it was proving tricky to make the new lines rhyme but luckily, he found a way. Matlock introduced the reworked lyriccs. He confirmed that it was for “one night only” before singing the opening line, “We’re gonna save the King/ It ain’t just old thing”. You can see the footage of him performing the updated anthem below.

The Sex Pistols' 'God Save the Queen' has been updated to reflect Charles' coronation.

Bassist Glen Matlock gives a preview to Channel 4 News ahead of a performance in central London. pic.twitter.com/T2DAqLvgFq

— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) May 6, 2023

Matlock spoke to Channel 4 and said that it was a “bit weird” singing “God Save The Queen” when she is “not around anymore.” He added on to say, “Instead of changing that one word [King], you’ve got to change a good few of them to make it all work. I’m just doing it one time, for a laugh, I’m not re-recording the song and putting it out, that would be a whole publishing nightmare. I’m doing it for the people out there at that moment in time and why not? It’s a laugh. I like poking fun at the establishment.”

For one night only, the Sex Pistols will play 'God Save the King' – changing the title of their punk anthem.

Bassist Glen Matlock told @krishgm it was a "bit weird" singing the original as "she's not around any more". pic.twitter.com/RX2joOMcyw

— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) May 6, 2023

When Matlock’s thoughts were shared in regards to his opinion about the coronation via The Guardian, he admitted that, “there’s just so many people in destitution at the moment in this country.” He then adds on to say, “I think it’s kind of rubbing their noses in it a little bit. It’s all a distraction, but that’s the country we live in. Things are bleak for a lot of people and I think the royal family is pretty much the same as Love Island or The X Factor. They’re kind of the opium of the masses, just keeping people quiet. This is England and that’s the way it is, what can I do about it? I just can rail against it every now and then.”