On Air Now
Gold Radio Through the Night 12am - 4am
See Brian May receive his knighthood from King Charles at Buckingham Palace
15 March 2023, 12:23
Brian May interview: Remembering Jerry Lee Lewis
Brian May joins a very select group of popstars.
Listen to this article
Loading audio...
While there's a healthy sprinkling of popstars who have been made MBE, OBE and CBEs, there aren't all that many who have been made knights or dames.
Joining their limited ranks yesterday was Queen guitarist Brian May, who received his knighthood from King Charles himself at Buckingham Palace.
- Brian May reveals how he convinced the Queen to 'rock out' for her Platinum Jubilee concert
- Brian May interview: Queen icon remembers his rock and roll hero Jerry Lee Lewis
- Listen to the Gold Greats Live Playlist on Global Player
Brian was prevously made a CBE in 2005 for services to the music industry and for charity work, with his upgraded honour been included in the 2023 New Year's Honours list.
It's not just for his remarkable work with Queen and as a solo artist that Sir Brian has been recognised, but also for his animal rights activism and charity work.
Yesterday's ceremony is certainly not the first time Brian May has grabbed the headlines at Buckingham Palace,
Back in 2002 to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee, he opened the Party at the Palace celebration with a memorable performance of 'God Save The Queen' on the roof of the palace.
May and Roger Taylor later played a set including the Queen hits 'Radio Ga Ga', 'We Will Rock You', 'We Are The Champions' and 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.
For the Queen's Platinum Party at the Palace last year, May returned with Queen + Adam Lambert to play 'We Will Rock You', 'Don't Stop Me Now' and 'We Are The Champions'.
Brian May hopes Queen “pull off something epic” at Party in the Palace
“I'm happy and grateful to receive this honour," said Brian last year when his knighthood was first announced.
"I will regard the knighthood not so much as a reward, but more as a charge – a commission - for me to continue to fight for justice - to be a voice for those who have no voice. I will endeavour to be worthy - to be that Knight in Shining Armour.”
Other stars recognised in the 2023 New Years Honours included iconic fashion designer Mary Quant, who was made a Member of the Order of Companions of Honour, and artist, writer and broadcaster Grayson Perry, who was made a Knight Bachelor.
