Sir Roger Daltrey rose to fame in the 1960s as the lead vocalist and co-founder of The Who, a band that would go on to redefine rock music and become one of the most influential groups of the 20th century. Known for his commanding stage presence, signature microphone-swinging, and powerful voice, Daltrey became the face and voice of anthems such as ‘My Generation’, ‘Pinball Wizard’, and ‘Baba O’Riley’. The Who’s ground-breaking performances and rebellious spirit left a lasting mark on generations of musicians and fans alike. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, cementing its place in musical history.

Beyond his musical achievements, Daltrey has also dedicated large amounts of his life to charitable work, most notably as a long-time patron and driving force behind the Teenage Cancer Trust. Since launching a series of now-iconic benefit concerts at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2000, Daltrey has helped raise more than $50 million for the charity, supporting specialised cancer units for teenagers and young adults across the UK. The annual concerts feature performances from some of the world’s biggest artists – all in support of a vital cause.

Speaking about the honour, Daltrey expressed pride in the collective efforts of those involved in the charity’s success. “It’s a wonderful honour for me, and especially Teenage Cancer Trust,” he shared in an official statement. “I accept this award not only for myself but on behalf of all the unsung heroes who have given their energy towards making the Teenage Cancer Trust the success it has become.”

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In a previous statement, Daltrey reflected on the continuing importance of the charity’s work: “Every year, Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall raises essential funds to support the charity’s work. I am incredibly proud of what we have already achieved and am inspired about what we will accomplish together”. With aid from Daltrey, the charity now has 28 specialist units in NHS hospitals across the country.

This year’s King’s Birthday Honours list recognised more than 1,200 individuals for their public service and achievements across a range of sectors. Other high-profile recipients include actor Gary Oldman, footballer David Beckham, and television presenters Claudia Winkleman and Tess Daly.

For Sir Roger Daltrey, the knighthood not only acknowledges a renowned career in music but also highlights a profound commitment to improving the lives of young people facing extraordinary challenges.

Check out MXDWN’s recent coverage on The Who’s North American Farewell tour here

Brian May posted a photo to his Instagram of a captured moment during the ceremony where he received his knighthood. The photo shows King Charles lowering his sword on May’s shoulder. Brian wrote a short and sweet caption for the photo, ‘‘No Words ! Bri’’

Aside from gaining worldwide success with Queen throughout the 80’s, The 75-year-old British icon has been responsible for creating some of Queens most well known songs, such as ”Somebody To Love” and ”Don’t Stop Me Now.” The legendary band Queen, consisting of late-front man Freddie Mercury, Bassist John Deacon, Drummer Rodger Taylor and Guitarist Brian May, toured the world together and acquired numerous number ones.

Brian May is no stranger to the royal family or royal residences. In 2002, May performed a guitar solo rendition of ‘’God Save The Queen’’ on the roof top of Buckingham palace. The guitarist also performed at the Platinum jubilee, last June. Brian May appeared in a sketch with Paddington Bear, tapping the beat to ‘’We Will Rock You’’ on a teacup.

Brian May also discussed that the band Queen, which now has 2009 American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert as their front man, are considering touring again this year. Fans had the pleasure of attending re-scheduled concerts of their tour last year, as the tour was previously cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions preventing them from performing their shows. May tours with Adam lambert, as well as legendary Queen drummer Rodger Taylor. Original Queen band member and bassist, John Deacon, has no involvement in the tour.

Brian May spoke with a PA news agency, saying ‘’We’re thinking about touring, I can say that. I’m hoping I stay in good health – at the moment I seem to be in pretty good health, which is always great.’’ May suffered a heart attack in May 2020 and underwent surgery where he had three stents fitted. 

The guitarist continued “It’s not been an easy road and there’s been times I thought I would never do it again. 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.” 

Screens for public viewing will be located in London’s Hyde park, centenary Square in Birmingham, Sheffield’s Cathedral Square, Holyrood Park in Edinburgh, Carlisle’s Bitts Park and Coleraine Town Hall located in Northern Ireland. If you are unable to get to one of the Big screens, selected cinemas will also be broadcasting the funeral. For those watching at home, the funeral service and the processions will be available to watch live via BBC one, ITV and Sky.

Details of how people can watch Her Majesty The Queen’s state funeral and the ceremonial processions have been publishedhttps://t.co/H7MFy0CXFe

— Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (@DCMS) September 18, 2022

As the world remembers Queen Elizabeth II for her time on the throne, many are left reminiscing about her influence within the arts, particularly those whom she has knighted and awarded for their service within music. Within Queen Elizabeth II’s long and storied 70-year reign, some of music’s most influential artists have received a royal nod of recognition. Named the Order of the British Empire, it consists of five levels of importance. The first is MBE, otherwise known as Member; the next is Officer (OBE), second to the top is Knight and Dame Commander (KBE and DBE) and the most important is Knight and Dame Grand Cross (GBE).

Here are some of the most notable names to be honoured by Queen Elizabeth II. Many know Bob Geldolf as the organiser and figurehead for Live Aid; not surprisingly, he was given an honorary knighthood by the late monarch on 10th June 1986. Otherwise known as the fifth Beatle, George Martin was given the GBE title in 1996 for his work as a record producer. The Beatles band member and solo artist Paul McCartney was knighted by the late Queen on 11th March 1997, fellow bandmate Ringo Starr joined the knighthood ranks at a ceremony on 29th December 2017.

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger took the knee in 2003 for his knighthood, fellow singer Ray Davies, frontman for The Kinks, was knighted in 2017. Some inductees are not English but are considered for an Order of the British empire due to their time spent within the UK; Barry Gibb from The Bee Gees is an example of this ruling; although the group are often linked to Australia, Gibb was knighted in 2017 due to the amount of time spent within the UK.

Even though most artists put forward for the award accept the invitation, many have refused to accept the Order of the British Empire. Famously David Bowie refused a CBE in 2000 and a Knighthood (GBE) in 2003. Speaking on his decision, the “Starman” singer gave the following statement, “I would never have any intention of accepting anything like that. I seriously don’t know what it’s for. It’s not what I spent my life working for. It’s not my place to make a judgement on Jagger, it’s his decision. But it’s just not for me.“

For more information concerning the state funeral please click here.

The 71-year-old ‘Maggie May’ singer joined the likes of Paul McCartney, Elton John, Mick Jagger and Tom Jones when he was honoured in the Queen’s birthday honours list. Cliff Richard was the first rock star to receive a knighthood in 1995 for service to music and charity.

Stewart told the BBC “We talked about music and he said: ‘It’s great that you’re still going’, and I said: ‘I have to – I’ve got eight children! He congratulated me on my long career – and I said how happy this made me. I just wish my mum and dad had been here to see it.”

Sir Rod has been in the music industry for 55 years, releasing six consecutive number one albums in the UK and out of a total of 62 UK hit singles, 31 reached the top ten, with 6 hitting number one. His most famous hit ‘Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?’ (1978) stayed at number 1 for four weeks. Stewart wore tartan trousers and a “scarlet-trimmed military-style tunic” to the event and was accompanied by his wife, Penny Lancaster, and their young sons Alastair and Aiden.

Wife Penny spoke on the panel show ‘Loose Women’ and said their two sons, Alistair and Aiden, couldn’t believe they got to go to Buckingham Palace to see their father being honoured by Prince William. “The boys were hanging onto him for dear life afterwards. They were so proud” she said.

Congratulations Sir @RodStewart, honoured by The Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace today for services to music and charity pic.twitter.com/hHXhLHkiOR — The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) October 11, 2016

Sir Rod also commented “I’ve led a wonderful life and have had a tremendous career thanks to the generous support of the great British public. This monumental honour has topped it off and I couldn’t ask for anything more.

“I thank Her Majesty and promise to wear it well.”