Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon wants "no part" of the fan campaign to push the band's God Save The Queen re-release to the top of the charts, insisting the group never cared about pop success.
The monarchy was shaken to the core in 1977 when the controversial track was released during Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee celebrations and it was subsequently banned from the airwaves.
Despite the backlash, the tune received a warm reception from fans - even though it didn't reach number one on the singles chart.
Universal Music bosses recently announced they'd be re-releasing the song in May to coincide with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, and Pistols fans have launched a bid on Facebook to ensure the tune shoots to number one.
But punk legend Lydon, aka Johnny Rotten is discouraging fans from continuing with their online crusade, insisting the hype only undercuts the band's original radicalism.
He tells the BBC: "I would like to very strongly distance myself from the recent stories and campaign to push God Save The Queen for the number one spot. It is certainly not my personal plan or aim. I am proud of what The Sex Pistols achieved and always will be but this campaign totally undermines what The Sex Pistols stood for.
"This is not my campaign. I am pleased that the Sex Pistols recordings are being put out there for a new generation, however, I wish for no part in the circus that is being built up around it."