alternatehistory.com

When the British punk rock band the Sex Pistols released the anti-monarchy song God Save the Queen, several tabloid papers along with a Royal commentator accused the song of being borderline treasonous in its lyrics. It was banned by the BBC and many shops refused to sell the record. According to band members, it was suggested in Parliament that the band be prosecuted for treason. So, what if the Sex Pistols had been charged with treason, a crime that still warranted the death penalty at the time?

Would they have been acquitted? Could they have received long prison sentences or even been subject to the death penalty? How would this effect punk music, given that a rebellious, anti-establishment sentiment existed within the fan base of the genre?
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