The Beatles' Top 5 Queen Elizabeth Moments: From Protests to Paul Becoming Sir Paul
Queen Elizabeth II turned 90 on Thursday (April 21). It's a landmark occasion for the queen of the United Kingdom, though since her 1952 accession, she's seen her share of protesters -- often smart-mouthed British punks with bitter hot takes on constitutional monarchy. The Smiths had The Queen Is Dead. The Sex Pistols had "God Save the Queen" ... and then tried to crash her Silver Jubilee while playing their venomous 1977 single sailing along the River Thames. It didn't pan out well, but still, it's the thought that counts.
The Beatles, on the other hand, were much more diplomatic. Despite her detractors, Queen Elizabeth did do considerable work to honor musicians, and John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr got their due over the years, even at the very beginning. She honored them, they honored her, and at times, the Beatles spoke their minds. Here are the five most memorable times Queen Elizabeth II and the members of the Beatles crossed paths:
1. “Just Rattle Your Jewelry”
The Beatles’ first big moment with the Queen came in Nov. 1963 -- three months prior to their legendary first trip to New York -- when they performed at one of Britain’s most prestigious entertainment events. The quartet was asked to play at the Queen’s Royal Variety Performance, an annual televised charity gala. Early standbys like “From Me To You” and “She Loves You” were warmly received, but the band yearned to test out its irreverent humor on the highbrow crowd. Lennon told the crowd he’d need some audience participation for their last song -- “The people in the cheaper seats, clap your hands… And the rest of you, if you’d just rattle your jewelry.”
By: Chris Payne
Source: Billboard
