Roxy Music and Duran Duran members get awards in King’s Honours list
Phil Manzanera, the founding guitarist of Roxy Music and Simon Le Bon, the frontman of the 1980s new wave band Duran Duran, are among the musical artists joining this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list.
Manzanera joined Roxy Music alongside frontman Bryan Ferry and early synth player Brian Eno in the early 1970s and played with the band through all of its eight studio albums. The first three Roxy Music albums were considered pivotal in the art rock wave, with innovative compositions leading the way for colourful creativity in all areas of rock music in the following decades.
Throughout the 1970s, Roxy Music filed off their edginess to create a more streamlined, pop-conscious product. This latter chapter brought us the danceable grooves and progressive balladry of Manifesto and Avalon, which were also highly influential as the 1980s synth-pop era emerged.
In 2022, Roxy Music reunited for a world tour to celebrate their 50th anniversary. For his services as Roxy Music’s guitarist for over five decades, Manzanera has now been awarded an OBE for Services to Music.
“I’m surprised and honoured to receive this Award,” the guitarist announced in response to the honour. “This has a poignancy for me and my family because in 1966, my dad, Duncan Targett-Adams, was also awarded the OBE, but sadly, he died before his investiture.”
Meanwhile, Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon has received an MBE for Services to Music and Charity. The singer helped shape a new sound for the 1980s alongside Roger Taylor, Nick Rhodes, Andy Taylor and John Taylor. After more than four decades in the business, Duran Duran remains a popular touring act and played well-received shows at Hyde Park’s BST festival series in 2022.
Besides his musical contributions, which include the classic albums Rio, Duran Duran, and the 1993 “Wedding” album, Le Bon keeps busy as a benefactor. He has worked as an ambassador for the Blue Marine Foundation, which campaigns to save the ocean from environmental stressors. He is also a patron of the Tall Ships Youth Trust, which runs sailing trips and training for disadvantaged young people across the UK.
Elsewhere in the King’s honours list, Armando Iannucci, the writer and creator of comedies The Thick Of It, Veep and The Death Of Stalin, earned a CBE for Services to Film and Television. Additionally, artist Tracey Emin and actor Imelda Staunton were awarded damehoods.
Never Miss A Beat
The Far Out Music Newsletter
All the latest music news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.