The Rolling Stones, Elton John, Surviving Beatles Members, & More React to Queen Elizabeth's Death

Kathryn Milewski -

Many artists from the U.K. and across the world – including musicians Queen Elizabeth herself has knighted – are paying their respects to Her Royal Majesty via social media.

Queen Elizabeth II died yesterday (September 8) at Balmoral Castle, her estate in Scotland, after a 70-year reign. Her family gathered by her side after doctors announced that they were “concerned” about her health. She was 96.

As the head of the royal family, Elizabeth was an omnipresent figure within popular culture – meaning, her life was the catalyst for several big projects in music history. She was the inspiration for the Smiths’ hit album The Queen is Dead, the Sex Pistols’ “God Save the Queen,” Queen's rendition of "God Save the Queen," the Stone Roses’ “Elizabeth My Dear,” and much more.

Both surviving Beatles members reacted to the news of Elizabeth's death. Sir Paul McCartney posted a picture of the young royal with the caption “God bless Queen Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace. Long live The King.” Sir Ringo Starr shared a more recent photograph with the caption “God bless Queen Elizabeth peace and love to all the family peace and love Ringo.” Additionally, Yoko Ono and son Sean Lennon shared a statement regarding the news.




“For my whole life Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has always been there,” Sir Mick Jagger wrote. “In my childhood I can recall watching her wedding highlights on TV. I remember her as a beautiful young lady, to the much beloved grandmother of the nation. My deepest sympathies are with the Royal family.” The Rolling Stones also extended sympathy to the royal family.


“Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing,” Sir Elton John said in a statement. “She was an inspiring presence to be around, and lead the country through some of our greatest, and darkest, moments with grace, decency and a genuine caring warmth. Queen Elizabeth has been a huge part of my life from childhood to this day, and I will miss her dearly.”


“I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen,” Ozzy Osbourne wrote. “With a heavy heart I say it is devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II.”


Last but not least, current British pop icon Harry Styles asked his fans to applaud in appreciation of Queen Elizabeth’s 70 years of service during his concert last night at Madison Square Garden. Video was captured by fans.


Other artists who publicly reacted to the news include John Lydon, Liam Gallagher, Duran Duran, Patti Smith, Janet Jackson, Stevie Nicks, Jenny Lewis, Nicki Minaj, Dionne Warwick, Maren Morris, Kanye West, and many others. Due to the Queen's passing, the Mercury Prize, scheduled to be awarded on Sept. 8, has been postponed.

See more reactions from musicians below.



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Article Image: A dark view of London's Picadilly Circus the evening of Queen Elizabeth II's death. A large screen in the square shows Queen Elizabeth's name and photo, as well as the years she was alive (1926-2022). (alexey.fedoren@gmail.com via DepositPhotos.)