Sex Pistols’ bassist Glen Matlock recently played an updated version of the band’s classic hit, “God Save The Green”, to coincide with King Charles III’s coronation yesterday. The song was first released in 1977 and is known for its anti-establishment lyrics and controversial message.
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.”
