Artist News Releases

Classic FM refuses to play operatic punk

By | Published on Friday 21 April 2017

The Sex Pistols’ Glen Matlock is set to release a new album of operatic versions of classic punk songs, titled ‘The Anarchy Arias’, with performers from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and English National Opera. Though not without a bit of appropriate controversy.

First off, the artwork for the record apparently had to be changed, after its parody of the classic HMV ‘his master’s voice’ logo was objected to by the original artwork’s current owner, Warner. And now Classic FM is reportedly refusing to play tracks from the record.

A spokesperson for Universal Music, which is releasing the record, said: “It’s like 1977 all over again. Not only is there political unrest, but punk is once again dividing opinion and crossing boundaries. We are shocked that an album recorded by a symphony orchestra and such respected singers won’t be played by the UK’s leading commercial classical station. It seems that the punk rebellion is still alive and kicking”.

I think that might be overstating it a little, but – either way – the album’s out on 2 Jun.

UPDATE 21 Apr, 4.30pm: Amended to clarify source of statement.



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