The Queen once watched ‘Twin Peaks’ instead of a concert with Paul McCartney

Queen Elizabeth II once chose to watch episodes of Twin Peaks instead of an exclusive Paul McCartney performance set up for her birthday.

Following the monarch’s death aged 96 yesterday (September 8), which has seen tributes pour in from across the entertainment world and beyond, a NME the 2011 article has resurfaced, sharing a rare insight into the Queen’s cultural tastes.

The interview with Twin Peaks composer Angelo Badalamenti saw the musician share a story told to him by McCartney, which saw the Queen decide to watch David Lynch’s classic cult TV show instead of a private Beatle birthday concert that was due to take place at the Abbey Road Studies.

Badalamenti told NME: “Back then Twin Peaks started around the world, I flew Concorde to London to work with Paul McCartney at Abbey Road. He said, ‘Let me tell you a story’. Not long before we met, he had been asked to perform for the Queen at her birthday celebrations.

“And when he met her, he started saying, ‘I’m honored to be here tonight, Your Majesty, and I’m going to play you some music’. And the Queen says, ‘Sorry, I can’t stay, it’s five to eight and I have to go and see Twin Peaks!”

You can also watch Badalamenti tell the story on one Twin Peaks DVD box set below.

After the Queen’s death, a 2021 interview with Paul McCartney was reposted in which he reflected on his first time meeting the monarch.

He told CBS: “Because the coronation was approaching, there was a competition for all schools in England. You had to write an essay on the monarchy and I liked that idea.”

The Beatles star’s essay described the future royal as “our lovely young queen” and helped him win his “ward”. “I was very nervous because they were calling my name,” he said. “I fell over with jelly legs and it was the first time I had ever really been on a stage.

“I think the thing about the Queen is that she’s – she’s royal, so you look up to her because she’s royal. But she’s very down to earth.”

Elton John also paid tribute to the monarch during his concert in Toronto last night. “She was an inspiring presence to be around – I’ve been around her and she was amazing,” he told the crowd during the concert at the city’s Rogers Centre. “She led the country through some of our greatest and darkest moments with grace, decency and a genuine care and warmth.”