HM The Queen Has Passed - NWOBHM Required

Her Majesty, The Queen has passed at age 96 and now we have King Charles III. For such a historic day, it seems fitting to listen to artists from the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, yes? Think bands like Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Def Leppard, Saxon, Ozzy Osbourne/Black Sabbath, Girl, Whitesnake, Rainbow, UFO and Judas Priest.

I will point out that Queen Elizabeth II met with many musicians over her decades on the throne, including Def Leppard.

"She has transcended eras with good grace and service to her country that is unparalleled anywhere or by anyone. Thank you your Majesty for a lifetime of great memories and leadership."

-Joe Elliott [2/2] pic.twitter.com/Y5IYXVHsK6

— Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) September 8, 2022

I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen. With a heavy heart I say it is devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II pic.twitter.com/JZYXGRz2hb

— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) September 8, 2022

We mourn the passing of our beloved Queen.
RIP Your Majesty.

Saxon pic.twitter.com/9Bhd34PNpE

— Saxon (@SaxonOfficial) September 8, 2022

🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/YW48v1H9EZ

— David Coverdale (@davidcoverdale) September 8, 2022

Queen Elizabeth II's coronation was the first royal event of its kind to be broadcast almost in full on television. But it was a token of the changes — and global fascination — that accompanied her time as queen. Read our full obituary here. https://t.co/US4iTniVDh

— The New York Times (@nytimes) September 8, 2022

Here's a 1983 concert bootleg of my beloved Def Leppard performing at Hammersmith Odeon in London. This was really early into the Pyromania tour. Elizabeth II was coronated on June 2, 1953... meaning she had already been monarch for 30 years by the time Def Leppard performed the concert shared below.

Comments

[London]

Sad day for us Brits ... and I think for many people around the world.
Loads of respect, and rest in peace.
- London.

[crued]

Sorry for your loss London :(

[Him]

Generous out-pouring of support and condolences for her passing. RIP.

Here is the States, at least to me, it seemed to be an almost bi-partisan showing of respect. Nice to see that once in awhile. Also nice to see outlets of all stripes over here pointing to her ceremonial, but powerful, response to the horrors of 9/11. It goes to show how pageantry can, when done right, be an emotional form of solidarity with those you claim as allies.

Even Johnny (Rotten) Lydon offered a measured note on her passing. And, as others have pointed out, even some of his earlier comments about the monarchy and the Queen were not entirely objectionable (might even be considered, with some qualifications, balanced and obvious . . . but that is a topic for another night or day). On the other hand, a couple of the other meat-sacks that were in the Pistols decided it was a good time for old men to act like angry youngsters. Not a good fit, lads. Not a good fit. When you are young (pre-fab) punks, spittle and controversy are charming, shocking even. When you have the benefit of years, sometimes it is better to be silent.

And, yes, there is now Charles the III. Good to hear that he is planning to put away his activism. Why? Is activism bad? Not necessarily. But that man has dabbled in some odd passions. And if he is to take on the ceremonial role of king, best that he play to all those who are willing or expected to bow to the monarch's (largely figurative and) diminished dominion. As we have seen, recent attempts at good will trips haven't gone well for the royals. No wonder. But all of that is for those who are, as London is, members of the realm. Onlookers like me? Best we shut up and hope for the best. Appreciated your thoughts, London.