February 13, 2010 18:29
Status Quo: 'Being awarded OBEs by the Queen is better than Live Aid' Status Quo Tickets
Francis Rossi hails royal honour as 'the most exceptional moment of our careers'
Status Quo's Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt have been awarded OBEs by the Queen.
The duo were given the award at Buckingham Palace for their services to music and charity.
Speaking after the event, Rossi said he thought the honour surpassed Status Quo's role opening Live Aid in 1985, reports BBC News.
"This is the most exceptional moment of our careers - there's no two ways about it," he said.
"Live Aid was contrastingly very different and important, and there was a great euphoric feeling on the day, but nothing can make you forget this.
"This is the most formal occasion I've come to in my life. It's one thing going out to play for 50,000 people. It's another thing talking one-to-one with the Queen - so nerve-wracking."
Speaking about his conversation with the Queen, Parfitt said: "When I went up to the Queen, she said 'Aren't you a duo?' and I said 'He's waiting in the wings'.
"She said 'How long have you been doing this?' and I said 'We've been having hit records for 42 years'. She seemed genuinely taken aback."
The guitarist added that he had considered not accepting the OBE.
He admitted: "When you hear of our troops dying in Afghanistan, you can look at yourself and think 'Do I deserve this?' - but you have been chosen for this and should accept it with honour."
The world's greatest music magazine is now available as a digital edition! For exclusive content you won't find on NME.COM, download here on your iPad/iPhone and here on your Kindle Fire or Nook.
- Previous: Billy Bragg takes his Facebook banking bonuses protest to the home of RBS
- Next: This week on NME Radio: February 15-19
More News
| Date/Time | Venue | Town/City | Seetickets | Viagogo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27 Jul 2013 | Open Air Theatre | London | Tickets not currently available. |
Buy Status Quo Tickets |
| 24 Aug 2013 | Wrest Park | Bedford | Tickets not currently available. |
Buy Status Quo Tickets |
| 06 Dec 2013 | Echo Arena | Liverpool | Tickets not currently available. |
Buy Status Quo Tickets |
Please login to add your comment.