Sam Ryder played electric guitar during God Save The King at Twickenham Stadium before Saturday's rugby final. The Eurovision singer replaced the usual opera performer with his instrumental version of the national anthem. Rugby fans shared mixed reactions on social media after the performance ended. Some viewers called the guitar rendition disrespectful and disgraceful. Others praised Ryder for making the anthem sound better than usual.
Television cameras caught Leicester player Dan Cole making facial expressions during the performance. Social media users commented about Cole's visible reaction to the electric guitar anthem. Commentator Alastair Eykyn described the performance as different from traditional versions. Brian May had performed similar guitar versions during Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee celebrations decades earlier. One supporter defended Ryder against criticism from angry rugby supporters online.
Television cameras caught Leicester player Dan Cole making facial expressions during the performance. Social media users commented about Cole's visible reaction to the electric guitar anthem. Commentator Alastair Eykyn described the performance as different from traditional versions. Brian May had performed similar guitar versions during Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee celebrations decades earlier. One supporter defended Ryder against criticism from angry rugby supporters online.
