Read to find out why a specific band was removed from the official Coronation playlist.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has curated a list of 27 tracks as a suggested street party soundtrack for King Charles III's coronation that's fast approaching on May 6.
That being said, a band was removed from the playlist for a particular reason.
The Coronation playlist
The playlist includes classic hits from well-known artists such as The Beatles, David Bowie, Tom Jones, and the Spice Girls. The playlist appears to lean towards golden oldies, with the DCMS suggesting 'classics' as the theme. The playlist kicks off with The Beatles' Come Together, followed by Boney M's Daddy Cool, making for a great singalong choice.
Notable tracks include the iconic hit Let's Dance by the legendary David Bowie, which showcases his unique blend of rock and pop music. Also included is Slave to the Rhythm by Grace Jones, a Jamaican-born singer known for her androgynous appearance and powerful voice.
Kate Bush's Running Up That Hill is another standout track on the list, featuring her distinct vocal style and innovative production techniques. Tom Jones, a Welsh singer with a career spanning over six decades, is represented with Green Green Grass of Home, a classic country song that helped establish him as a global superstar.
Meanwhile, Spice Girls' Say You'll Be There is a pop classic from the 90s that remains popular to this day. Finally, Harry Styles' Treat People With Kindness is a recent release that showcases his growth as a solo artist since leaving the boy band One Direction. Emeli Sande's Starlight and George Ezra's Dance All Over Me round out the playlist with their soulful and upbeat vibes, respectively.
Street parties
As preparations for the Coronation long weekend continue, exciting details are being revealed about the lineup of events. While some traditions will remain, such as the iconic carriage procession and the customary appearance on the Buckingham Palace balcony, one long-standing tradition will be discontinued - the lighting of beacons.
However, the Coronation service at Westminster Abbey promises to be a more diverse and concise affair, in contrast to the lengthy three-hour ceremony in 1953. The festivities will also extend beyond London, with a special concert and light show taking place at Windsor Castle on 7 May.
During the day, local communities will come together to organize street parties and other activities. The following day, 8 May, will feature an extra bank holiday that will provide an opportunity for people to engage in local volunteering projects and give back to their communities.
The Coronation long weekend promises to be a truly memorable occasion for people across the United Kingdom.
Removed from the playlist
The Scottish duo Craig and Charlie Reid of The Proclaimers, best known for their hit song I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles), found themselves embroiled in controversy after agreeing with a republican demonstrator during the proclamation of King Charles shouted 'who elected him?'
Charlie Reid said:
I thought that guy spoke for me, and he speaks for loads of other people. Not just in Scotland, but right around the UK.
The BBC has reported that the UK government has removed their hit song from the official Coronation playlist, following complaints about the Reid brothers' political views.
While the band has not commented on the situation, the incident has sparked debate about the role of musicians in politics and the potential consequences of speaking out on controversial issues.
Read more:
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⋙ King Charles III: Fans request song from this American artist at coronation concert
