A host of artists and music business executives have picked up gongs in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Warner Music owner Len Blavatnik – who was handing out the awards himself earlier this year when he presented First Access Entertainment CEO Sarah Stennett with the Strat Award at the 2017 Music Week Awards – picked up a knighthood in the list, for services to philanthropy. Meanwhile, his star artist, Ed Sheeran, was made an MBE for services to music and charity. In typical down-to-earth style, Sheeran pronounced himself “chuffed” with the honour on social media.
Sir Paul McCartney, already a knight of course, was handed a prestigious Companion Of Honour award, as was renowned conductor and Hallé Orchestra musical director Sir Mark Elder. Legendary soprano Sarah Connolly became a Dame and classical musician and diversity champion Chi-Chi Nwanoku picked up an OBE.
On the business side of things, Global founder and executive president Ashley Tabor picked up an OBE for services to media. On Twitter he said: “Honoured and proud to receive an OBE today. This one is for everyone at Global.”
Events executive Chris Macmeikan was made an MBE for services to the music festival and live events industry. Macmeikan, a DJ who operates under the name Chris Tofu, is MD of Continental Drifts, which curates Glastonbury's Shangri-La stage. The firm's other festival clients include Bestival, LolliBop and On Blackheath, and it has also worked on events such as The Queen's Jubilee and The Big Lunch.
Sandie Shaw, pop star and now honorary president of the Featured Artists Coalition, was made an MBE.
Other artists on the list included Sade, made a CBE for services to music and Emeli Sandé, who picked up an MBE. Classical composer George Benjamin was made a knight.
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