Music world reacts to the death of Queen Elizabeth II

Virgin Radio

9 Sep 2022, 13:33

Tributes have been pouring in to honour Queen Elizabeth II, who has died aged 96. 

On Thursday (08/09/22), Buckingham Palace released a statement that said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon. The King and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”

King Charles III also said in a statement: “The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty The Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.”

The Queen was the longest serving monarch in history and succeeded the throne in 1952, aged 25. This year she celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne.

In light of the news, many musicians have paid their respects to Her Majesty, including Paul McCartney, Elton John and Mick Jagger. 

In his tribute, Paul McCartney said: “God bless Queen Elizabeth II. May she rest in peace. Long live The King”.

Sir Elton John also paid his respects and said: “Along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s passing. She was an inspiring presence to be around and led 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.”

The singer has met the Queen many times and was knighted by Her Majesty in 1998. 

Elsewhere, Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger wrote: “For my whole life Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II has always been there. 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.”

Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks also gave her condolences to the Royal family and said: “Elizabeth became Queen on February 6, 1952. Can you imagine having a job for that long? She said, ‘My whole life will be devoted to your service- whether it is long or short’- she would never look away. She knew when to get in the way and she knew when to get out of the way to think about what she would do next. 

“She was very smart and very beautiful and she made it very clear to all the brilliant men that surrounded her that she was the Queen and they were not. She showed all women how strong they could be- for 70 years she did this. She inspired me. She was anointed Queen, a beautiful Queen and an unforgettable woman. 

“The world is an empty place without her.”

Sting added his thoughts to the tributes and said: “I had a quiet weep for the Queen, I am sad for my country and what it has lost.”

While Rod Stewart wrote: “It has been a devastating 48 hours. My brother Don passed on Tuesday at 94 and today Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at 96. 

Like Don, the Queen has been a presence all through my life as a great unifier. A shining star that will never fade in our hearts and souls.

What a privilege it was to perform for her. My deepest sympathies to the Royal Family. 

God save the King.”

Our thoughts at Virgin Radio are with the Royal family.

You can hear continuing coverage on Times Radio and watch on Talk TV.