ROYAL TROUBLE

Twenty-five years ago, punk troublemakers The Sex Pistols crashed the Queen's
Silver Jubilee celebrations with a rowdy rendition of 'God Save the Queen' and
this year, punks worldwide are set to unite for a repeat performance. Shane Jesse
Christmass reports.

Back in 1977, England was submerged in bunting for the Queen's Silver Jubilee
celebrations. But not everyone bought into the seriousness of the occasion.
Seminal punk band the Sex Pistols chose this moment to release 'God Save The
Queen', a raucous declaration about the evils of civil smugness and monarchy
worship. The song was prevented from reaching the number one spot on the UK
charts only by the presence of Rod Stewart (even though it sold more copies than
his hit).
On 4 June this year, it will be 25 years since the Sex Pistols and their
instruments boarded a boat and sailed off down the Thames, offering the monarchy
their version of how to commemorate the Jubilee.
Around the same time, a fellow by the name of Nick Nasty was playing in a
band called The Executors in Long Eaton. On 1 January this year, Nick came up
with an idea that has consumed him for most of 2002 - one that's rapidly shaping
up to a huge event. Nick, along with many other musicians, wants to show the
world that the punk sentiments of 1977 are still just as relevant today.
'I thought, it's Jubilee year so I'll play "God Save The Queen" somewhere
unusual but local to me,' says Nick. 'I then shared the idea - and rapidly it
became a worldwide event.'
Nick's idea - to encourage multiple public performances of the notoriously
obnoxious tune - has taken off. The name of the event, 'Outrage', echoes both the
central attitude of punk music.and the establishment's typically horrified
reaction to it.
'There are around 70 bands and artists currently participating,' says Nick,
'and I expect that figure to run into the hundreds by 4 June.' So far, only one
Australian band has joined in: Adelaide punks Eclypto. 'I hate the fact that the
Queen did nothing to gain the power that she has other than be born,' says a band
member. 'I want to make a statement about this and so does my band. I look
forward to making this both work as a gig and as a statement.'
It seems there's total freedom to interpret these punk anthems as each band
wishes, and the event is open to all genres, although Nick concedes that so far
'it's mostly punk bands and artists, and some are metal, rock and ska.'
The website for the event details where each band intends to play - so far,
listed venues include a boat, a gazebo and even a neighbour's roof.
'Some guy is on about doing two towns, on the back of a truck in the USA,'
says Nick, 'and then, not satisfied with that, he's doing it again on a raft.
It's self-built and he's passed the instructions on how to build a raft round to
those involved.'
As for the rumoured Sex Pistols reunion, it seems to be a grey area, with no
official answer either way. Their erstwhile manager Malcolm McLaren has not
jumped at the chance to make a quick buck - a fact some find surprising.
Original Sex Pistol Glen Matlock, however, seems to be keen. Nick recently
met Glen at a promotional appearance in Leicester. 'Glen had a look, said he was
interested, and then said he would endorse the event. I am awaiting further news
of his involvement. I expect a signed endorsement at the very least.'
This seems odd, given that footage of the Thames boat ride reveals that
Matlock was nowhere in sight. 'He was, as far as I am aware, the only Pistol not
on the boat,' laughs Nick. 'Why do you think I picked him!?'
So how have Sex Pistols fans reacted to the Jubilee plan? Generally, says
Nick, reactions have been of the 'awesome idea, can't wait, let's rock the world'
variety.
When 'God Save The Queen' was banned by the BBC, DJ Tony Blackburn told the
newspapers that the song was disgraceful, and that it made him feel ashamed. With
over 70 bands across the globe joining in this year's event, you can't help but
wonder what those former arbiters of British culture will make of the turnout.
'This is not about me, it is about the people.the participants,' says Nick,
in the true spirit of punk. 'I believe this may be the most non-violent,
outrageous event in history. If everyone thought everything had been done, they
were wrong.
'I'm going to re-form The Executors for the day; the singer is in a mental
hospital but we have plans to spring him.'

To view current participating artists and bands, or to join the event, log on to
www.expage.com/jubileeoutrage or www.june4th.cjb.not or e-mail Nick at
nick_nasty@ntlworld.com