Bobby Gillespie hates the royals with a passion

In a candid revelation, Bobby Gillespie, the frontman of Primal Scream, has openly expressed his disdain for the anthem 'God Save the King.' He specifically cites the troubling sixth verse, which discusses crushing sedition, as the particular aspect that makes the song intolerable for him. Gillespie reflects on how his musical influences and experiences shaped his current preferences, indicating that his teenage years were marked by limited access to music records, influencing the lyrics that resonate with him the most. During an interview, Gillespie reminisces about his fondness for punk music, noting its anti-romantic ethos compared to the prevalent singer-songwriter genres. He emphasizes that punk bands provided a refreshing break from the melodrama often found in love songs. Instead, he's drawn to tracks that showcase straightforwardness and a matter-of-fact approach to themes like love and sexuality. Interestingly, despite his aversion to the national anthem, he expresses a thought-provoking idea that Primal Scream could produce a compelling cover of it, suggesting that even disliked songs can inspire artistic creativity. Furthermore, he outlines his preferences for songs that evoke specific moods or memories – from police sirens and birdsong waking him in the morning to declaring a distinct track he would want at his funeral, underscoring his complex relationship with music. Gillespie’s reflections on the British punk scene reveal his belief that cultural acts of rebellion, such as The Sex Pistols' criticism of the royal family, contributed significantly to his realization of his own creative potential. This deeper understanding of his musical journey demonstrates how the socio-political context intertwines with personal identity and artistic expression.