The British monarchy’s tradition of honoring exceptional artists reached remarkable heights during Queen Elizabeth II’s historic reign, with numerous legendary musicians receiving the prestigious title of Knight or Dame. These royal recognitions celebrated decades of artistic contribution and, for many recipients, significant humanitarian efforts that extended their influence far beyond the music industry.
According to the UK’s official Honours System, knighthoods represent “a pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity, demonstrating sustained commitment” and stand among the highest civilian honors available to British citizens. For musicians, this recognition has become one of the ultimate career accolades, positioning recipients among an elite group of artistic luminaries.
Musical Knights of the Realm
During her 70-year reign, Queen Elizabeth II personally knighted numerous influential musicians who shaped multiple generations of popular music. Sir Paul McCartney received his knighthood in 1997, three decades after The Beatles were collectively awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) honors in 1965.
McCartney’s bandmate, Ringo Starr, joined the ranks of knighted musicians in 2018, making them the only two Beatles to receive this distinction. When Starr’s ceremony approached, McCartney reportedly offered a simple piece of advice to his former bandmate: “Keep smiling.”
The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger was knighted in 2003, though controversy surrounded his ceremony when Queen Elizabeth reportedly scheduled knee surgery the day before, requiring Prince Charles to conduct the investiture. Author Christopher Andersen suggested in his biography that the Queen “did not have the stomach” to personally honor Jagger, who had once referred to her as “Chief Witch.”
Honorary Knighthoods
Several non-British musicians received honorary knighthoods, allowing them to use the post-nominal letters KBE but not the “Sir” prefix. Among these recipients were Irish rockers Bob Geldof and Bono, honored primarily for their humanitarian work.
Geldof’s 1986 recognition came following his organization of Band Aid and Live Aid, which raised millions for famine relief in Africa. “Many call him Sir Bob,” noted Biography.com, despite the technical restrictions on his title.
Similarly, U2 frontman Bono received his honorary knighthood in 2007, with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair highlighting the singer’s “outstanding contribution” to both music and humanitarian causes globally.
Recent Royal Recognition
The tradition of knighting musicians has continued into the reign of King Charles III, most recently with Queen guitarist Brian May receiving his knighthood in March 2023. May, who is also an astrophysicist with a doctorate from Imperial College London, was previously honored as a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2005.
Bee Gees singer Barry Gibb was knighted in 2018 for his services to music and charity. “I’m enormously proud,” Gibb told the BBC, adding that he wished he could share the honor with his late brothers and bandmates Maurice and Robin Gibb.
Musical Dames
Several female musicians have received the equivalent honor of damehood during Queen Elizabeth’s reign, including Julie Andrews and Shirley Bassey. Andrews, known for her iconic performances in musical films like “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music,” was made Dame Commander in 2000.
Welsh singer Shirley Bassey, famous for performing three James Bond theme songs, received her damehood the same year. After her ceremony, Bassey reportedly stated she was “nearly in tears” from the emotional impact of the recognition.
Honoring Beyond Knighthood
The British honors system extends beyond knighthoods and damehoods to include Commanders (CBE), Officers (OBE), and Members (MBE) of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Notable recipients among musicians include Eric Clapton and Sting (CBE), Kylie Minogue and Victoria Beckham (OBE), and Adele and Ed Sheeran (MBE).
Not all artists have accepted these honors, however. Billboard reports that David Bowie famously declined both a CBE and knighthood, stating, “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.”
For those who have embraced these royal honors, however, the recognition has cemented their legacy not just as musical innovators, but as cultural icons whose influence extends far beyond their art, touching lives through both their creative output and humanitarian endeavors.
