The Kinks’ Ray Davies has been knighted by the Queen of England.
Davies, who formed the legendary British rock band with his brother in the early 1960s, made the Queen’s 2017 New Year Honours list alongside Oscar-winning actor Mark Rylance, comedian Ken Dodd and Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
“Initially I felt a mixture of surprise, humility, joy and a bit embarrassed but after thinking about it, I accept this for my family and fans as well as everyone who has inspired me to write,” the 72-year-old musician told the BBC.
The Kinks were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and split up six years later. Last December, Ray and his brother Dave performed on stage together for the first time in 20 years, sparking rumors that the Kinks might reunite.
Davies joins Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, Sir Mick Jagger and Sir Tom Jones as other iconic musicians who have received a knighthood.