THIRTY years after the Sex Pistols castigated the monarchy in God Save the Queen, the punk band’s manager Malcolm McLaren is working for the Crown — by promoting British music to America on behalf of the government.

McLaren will be the star turn at a reception in New York on Tuesday that will be hosted by Sir Alan Collins, the consul general. He will speak to an audience of US record-industry chiefs as part of a campaign to promote British artists.

The Live from London evening will include performances from Amy Winehouse, the Brits award winner, and six other British acts.

The initiative is backed by UK Trade & Investment, a government body.

Its chief executive, Andrew Cahn, said: “What a fantastic opportunity, having Malcolm McLaren represent the cream of the UK’s music scene.

“His talent and expertise will be invaluable in showcasing up and coming British bands, which in years to come could emulate the Sex Pistols’ success.”

Cahn is described as “not a music expert” so he may not be aware that under McLaren’s guidance, the Sex Pistols’ experience of America was notoriously awful. On the band’s disastrous final tour in 1978, McLaren booked the Pistols to play redneck bars where they were likely to encounter the maximum hostility.

Bassist Sid Vicious developed the heroin addiction that would kill him a year later.

McLaren later boasted of creating “cash from chaos” and the singer Johnny Rotten (now John Lydon) still bears enmity towards him.

Times Recommends

• Minister in talks with Saudis to protect creditors
• Premier Inn hits back in £29-a-room row
• Bankers hit back at 'populist' bonus supertax