Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones, Elton John & More React to Death of Queen Elizabeth II

The UK is in mourning this morning following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Queen Elizabeth II's 70-year-reign came to an end upon her passing at age 96 and some of the music world's biggest stars have taken to social media to reflect on the passing of the iconic monarch. 

The Beatles' Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr each posted a tribute to the fallen Queen on Twitter. McCartney stated "God bless Queen Elizabeth II May she rest in peace Long live The King", while Ringo Starr stated, "God bless Queen Elizabeth peace and love to all the family peace and love Ringo". Both posts were accompanied by photos of Queen Elizabeth II.  

God bless Queen Elizabeth II
May she rest in peace
Long live The King

Paul McCartney pic.twitter.com/fK9wXqkAsa

— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) September 8, 2022

God bless Queen Elizabeth peace and love to all the family peace and love Ringo. 😎✌️🌟❤️🌈☮️ pic.twitter.com/B8Tomh9HoD

— #RingoStarr (@ringostarrmusic) September 8, 2022

The Rolling Stones Mick Jagger posted a heartfelt reflection on the passing of the only Queen to serve during his lifetime. Jagger took to Twitter to share the words "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." 

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. pic.twitter.com/3JLILZDKwK

— Mick Jagger (@MickJagger) September 8, 2022

Elton John a long-time fan of Queen Elizabeth II posted his own thoughts on her passing, to his Instagram, writing "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 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.” 

Ozzy Osbourne offered his own brief condolences sharing “I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen,” while  Duran Duran posted a longer, more poetic tribute of their own, stating "Her Majesty the Queen has presided over the UK for longer than any other British monarch. She dedicated her life to the people and set an extraordinary example to the world throughout her reign. She’s seen changes that are beyond what any of us can imagine. She has faced challenges that she has risen to time and again. Her life has been remarkable in so many ways. We will all miss her and are grateful for the incredible service she gave to the people of Great Britain and the countries of the Commonwealth. We send our deepest condolence to the royal family. Her death brings to an end a long and unique chapter in the history of the United Kingdom and the world."

I mourn with my country the passing of our greatest Queen.  With a heavy heart I say it is devastating the thought of England without Queen Elizabeth II pic.twitter.com/JZYXGRz2hb

— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) September 8, 2022

Not all reflections on the Queen's passing have been so warm, with some Indigenous Australians and allies sharing an alternative perspective on the reign of the monarch and their history of colonisation. Professor Sandy O'Sullivan posting on the @IndigenousX Twitter said:

"For those saying we should be magnanimous about the passing of the queen, a reminder that the queen inserted herself into the lives of Indigenous people here multiple times. She wasn't a bystander to the effects of colonisation and colonialism, she was an architect of it."

For those saying we should be magnanimous about the passing of the queen, a reminder that the queen inserted herself into the lives of Indigenous people here multiple times. She wasn't a bystander to the effects of colonisation and colonialism, she was an architect of it.

— IndigenousX (@IndigenousX) September 8, 2022

Briggs has also contributed to the discourse around the monarch, saying "It's amazing; the amount of wealth you can accumulate when your family steals and enslaves half the world". 

It’s amazing; the amount of wealth you can accumulate when your family steals and enslaves half the world.

— Senator Briggs (Biblically Accurate) (@Briggs) September 8, 2022

The Mercury Music Prize, due to take place today, has been postponed to a later date. Organisers stated “Tonight’s Mercury prize event has been postponed at this time of great national sorrow. We know everyone involved in the Mercury prize will understand. Our thoughts and condolences are with the royal family at this very difficult time. We will make an announcement regarding future arrangements as soon as we are able.”