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Rock royalty met real royalty as Brian May and Roger Taylor of Queen were officially honoured with the 2025 Polar Music Prize, awarded by Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf in a glittering ceremony celebrating their legendary contributions to music.
Recognised for their extraordinary career spanning over five decades, the two surviving founding members of Queen were presented with one of the music industry’s most prestigious international accolades, often dubbed the “Nobel Prize of Music”.
The award recognises Queen’s groundbreaking innovation, musical mastery, and their enduring influence across generations of fans. From electrifying stadium anthems like “We Will Rock You” to the operatic genius of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” Queen’s music continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Roger was joined on the red carpet by his wife Sarina while Brian was joined by his wife Anita Dobson. Credit EPA
Taking to the stage to accept the honour, Brian May reflected on the band’s incredible journey:
“In this special moment, I contemplate how that younger Brian May in 1974 would have felt if he knew that we would be living this kind of dream 50 years in the future.”
Drummer Roger Taylor echoed the sentiment, recalling the band’s humble beginnings:
“When we started our band… we had ambitions, but never dreamed of the journey that was to follow.
We were fortunate in the fact that our four wildly different personalities came together to achieve a wonderful chemistry.”
The emotional ceremony also featured a powerful musical tribute. Current Queen frontman delivered stunning renditions of the band’s hits, including the haunting “Who Wants to Live Forever” and the crowd-pleasing “Another One Bites the Dust,” reminding everyone of the enduring power of Queen’s music and the band’s continued relevance today.
Formed in 1970, Queen quickly became one of the world’s biggest rock bands, known for their flamboyant style, musical experimentation, and the charismatic presence of the late Freddie Mercury. While Mercury and bassist John Deacon are no longer part of the band’s active lineup, May and Taylor have kept Queen’s legacy alive through their ongoing collaboration with Lambert and their continued work both on stage and off.
Queen at Heathrow Airport after they burst onto the scene in the 1970s. Credit PA
The Polar Music Prize, founded in 1989, celebrates exceptional achievements in music across all genres and nationalities. Past winners include Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, and Metallica.
For May and Taylor, this royal recognition is yet another milestone in a truly remarkable career, and proof that Queen’s reign is far from over.
