Johnny Rotten slams 'Queen' re-release

LONDON, April 18 (UPI) -- John "Johnny Rotten" Lydon says he objects to the re-release of the Sex Pistols' "God Save the Queen" in honor of British Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.

Lydon quickly voiced his disapproval after Universal said this week it would re-release the 1977 punk-rock, anti-establishment anthem in time to mark the queen's 60 years on the throne, the BBC reported Tuesday.

"I would like to very strongly distance myself from the recent stories and campaign to push 'God Save the Queen' for the No. 1 spot, [on the record chart,]" the singer said in a statement. "It is certainly not my personal plan or aim. I am proud of what The Sex Pistols achieved and always will be but this campaign totally undermines what The Sex Pistols stood for. This is not my campaign. I am pleased that the Sex Pistols recordings are being put out there for a new generation; however, I wish for no part in the circus that is being built up around it."

The influential band was founded in 1975 and broke up in 1978. The surviving members of the group have reunited numerous times in the 1990s and 2000s.