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Lorde's "Royals" banned by San Francisco radio stations during World Series

San Francisco airwaves will be a "Royals"-free zone, at least until after the World Series.

Two radio stations have banned the Lorde hit from their rotations as the San Francisco Giants prepare to take on the Kansas City Royals for the Major League Baseball championship.

"No offense, Lorde, but for the duration of the World Series, KFOG Radio will be a 'Royals'-free zone. We're sure you understand," the station wrote on its Facebook page. Fellow SF station 96.5 KOIT said on its website that it instituted the ban at the request of listeners.

The connection runs deeper than just the song's name (and catchy chorus) -- the 17-year-old New Zealand singer has said the inspiration for the song came from a vintage National Geographic photo of Kansas City Royals player George Brett autographing baseballs.

Earlier this year, Brett even sent her a signed No. 5 Royals jersey.


So, how is Kansas City reacting to the ban? One station there plans to play "Royals" every hour, on the hour, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the opening night of the World Series.

"A few angry San Franciscans who don't have a song called 'Giants' won't rain on our parade," Tony Lorino, Program Director of 99.7 The Point, said on the station's website.

The Giants will take on the Royals in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday.


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