Bee Gees singer Barry Gibb and drummer Ringo Starr have been knighted. Receiving a knighthood or damehood is the highest honour one can receive in Britain.
Starr said of the designation: “It’s great! It’s an honour and a pleasure to be considered and acknowledged for my music and my charity work, both of which I love. Peace and love.”
Starr’s former Beatles bandmate Paul McCartney honoured his pal on Twitter, posting a photo of the two of them and writing: “Huge congrats Sir Ringo! Sir Richard Starkey has a nice ring to it. Best drummer best pal! X Paul.”
Starr’s real name is Richard Starkey.
The Queen’s 2018 New Year honours list also includes recipients of the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE), and Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
All four members of the Beatles, including John Lennon and George Harrison, were given MBEs in 1965, according to BBC. Only Starr and McCartney have been knighted. McCartney received the honour 21 years ago.
Gibb said he was “humbled and very proud” about receiving the knighthood. He and his late brothers and bandmates, Maurice and Robin Gibb, received a CBE in 2002. Sir Barry noted: “It is as much theirs as it is mine. The magic, the glow, and the rush will last me the rest of my life.”
The Bee Gees are best known for their 1977 soundtrack “Saturday Night Fever” and its big hits “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever” and “How Deep Is Your Love.”
Starr will be playing at a show in Tel Aviv 52 years after a planned Beatles concert was cancelled in the Jewish state. The Ringo Starr show will take place on June 23 at Menorah Mivtahim Arena. It will be part of a 21-date European tour.
Gibb continues to perform 50 years after the release of the Bee Gees’ debut album. A talented songwriter, he penned the chart-toppers “Islands In The Stream,” Destiny Child’s “Emotion,” Diana Ross’ “Chain Reaction” and the title track from “Grease.”
The Queen’s 2018 list also included actor Hugh Laurie (CBE), former Royal Ballet principal dancer Darcey Bussell (dame), and former British Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman (CBE).
The list honours a total of 1,123 people. The majority of recipients are recognized for their community and charity work.
