Brandreth raps hip-hop party line-up for Queen
A BIOGRAPHER of the Queen has questioned whether the rappers and pop stars booked for her birthday concert are the most fitting performers for a monarch in her nineties.
The Queen’s Birthday Party will take place at the Royal Albert Hall this Saturday, and will be broadcast live on the BBC. The line-up of performers from Commonwealth countries includes Tom Jones, Kylie Minogue, Craig David and Shaggy.
Gyles Brandreth, the broadcaster and author of Philip and Elizabeth: Portrait of a Marriage, asked: “Is this really the birthday treat to offer the nation’s greatest national treasure as she embarks on her 93rd extraordinary year?”
Jones is representing Wales, Minogue is Australian, Shaggy – known for hits such as Boombastic – is Jamaican, and David hails from Southampton.
Writing in the Radio Times, Brandreth said: “British rapper Craig David’s repertoire includes R&B, garage and hip hop, which are not known for being the Queen’s favourite musical genres. (Perhaps he will give them some hip hop to cele- brate Prince Philip’s hip op?)”
The Queen’s musical tastes hark back to the Forties, Brandreth said, with George Formby a particular favourite. The event will feature a ukulele ensemble number by members of The George Formby Society.
However, it will also include a duet from Shaggy and Sting, Tom Jones belting out classics from the Sixties, and Craig David presenting a medley of his hits.
“This is supposed to be the Queen’s birthday treat. It’s always possible that, encouraged by Harry, and with great-grandchildren popping out all over the place, she has chosen to get down with the kids.
“If not, give her a George Formby singalong by all means, but spare her Shaggy,” Brandreth said.