Rod Stewart to Be Knighted
Queen Elizabeth II's annual birthday honors list is out and, among the more-than 1,000 British statesmen, actors, athletes and others who will be recognized for their service to the United Kingdom, one name in particular stands out from our perspective. Rod Stewart will receive a knighthood.
The BBC reports that Stewart, who was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) by the Queen in 2007, is being recognized not just for his music but also his charitable efforts. We're presuming the Queen has forgiven him for leaving the U.K. in 1975 to avoid paying British taxes and that she doesn't know that he used to take cocaine anally.
"I've led a wonderful life and have had a tremendous career thanks to the generous support of the great British public," he said. "This monumental honour has topped it off and I couldn't ask for anything more."
Other rockers who have been knighted include Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Elton John, Van Morrison and Cliff Richard. The Beatles became the first pop stars to appear on the Queen's list, when she gave them MBEs (Member of the Most Honorable Order of the British Empire) in 1965, a move that was met with several people returning their medals in protest. John Lennon returned his MBE four years later due to Britain's involvement in wars in Nigeria and Biafra.
Another name that caught our attention was Vera Lynn, the singer of the World War II anthem, "We'll Meet Again" and was the subject of Pink Floyd's song "Vera," was made a Dame. Lynn is 99 years old.
See Rod Stewart and Other Rockers in the Top 100 Albums of the '70s