Brian May, recognisable as the Guitarist of iconic British rock band Queen, received a knighthood on Tuesday 14 March. The musician, animal welfare advocate and astrophysicist attended an investiture ceremony at Buckingham palace and was knighted by King Charles III for his services to music and charity. Brian May attended the ceremony with his wife, Anita Dobson. He was made a ‘Knight Bachelor’, meaning he will now be formally known as Sir Brian May. Saxophonist, YolanDa Brown, received an OBE at the same ceremony for her services to music, music education and broadcasting.

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.”