Sir Brian May awarded knighthood
LONDON - Sir Brian May says he could go on tour again this year as he was awarded a knighthood by King Charles at Buckingham Palace for his services to music and charity.
The Queen guitarist (75), is responsible for some of the biggest and bestknown riffs and solos in popular music, on songs such as We Will Rock You, Bohemian Rhapsody and One Vision.
The musician, astrophysicist and animal welfare advocate said: ‘‘I am very happy, smiling from ear-to-ear, particularly because it was the King, which means a lot.’’
And he said he may continue rocking in 2023 after the King presented him with his gong on Tuesday morning.
‘‘We’re thinking about touring, I can say that,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m hoping I stay in good health - at the moment I seem to be in pretty good health, which is always great.
‘‘It’s not been an easy road and there’s been times I thought I would never do it again.
Touring
‘‘But we all seem to be OK so we’re looking at doing some touring, and of course, we tour at the top level and it’s very high energy and high demand on your fitness.’’
‘‘If we don’t go out until October or whatever I’ll be working on my fitness from now on.’’
Sir Brian, alongside late frontman Freddie Mercury, bassist John Deacon and drummer Roger Taylor, scored numerous number ones during Queen’s heyday, as the band became one of the best live touring acts in the world.
After being awarded his knighthood by the King, he said: ‘‘We’ve had a certain amount of contact over the years and we’re of an age, so I have a strong feeling for him and it was a lovely moment.’’
“We discussed the fact that we are of an age and he was wondering if my knees were holding out for the kneeling part of the ceremony. I said: ‘Yes, just about.’
‘‘To receive this award I suppose feels like getting approval, like when you get a gold star at school - perhaps you’ve done something and you know what you’ve achieved and if you get that seal of approbation from above, then it’s a very good feeling, it’s very special.’’