At least that's what I think it should be called, but no one asked me.
The Queen has approved the award of a new medal, The Queen's Medal for Music, the purpose of which is to "raise the general profile of music within the UK, and to reward individuals who have had a major influence on the musical life of the nation," according to an announcement from Buckingham Palace.
Winners of this annual award may be of any nationality but they must have had a "major influence on the musical life of the UK."
The decision on eligibility for the award will be made by a newly appointed Music Committee under the chairmanship of the Master of The Queen's Music, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. The Committee members are Michael Berkeley, Nicholas Kenyon, William Lyne, the Honourable Sir Humphrey Maud, Richard Morrison and Lord Moser. I'm guessing they will not nominate the Sex Pistols, although the Beatles are likely not out of the question.
Sir Peter said, "I am very pleased to welcome the Queen's Medal for Music, as a concrete symbol of the esteem which most of us feel musical life in Britain deserves."
The winner will be announced on 22nd November, St Cecilia's day (St Cecilia being the patron saint of music), which is also the birthday of Benjamin Britten. This is perhaps a clue as to the tenor of the award.
Article comments
1 - Jim Carruthers
Well, in serious mode either Brian Eno or Gavin Bryars would be a shoo-in. In mischief mode, Malcolm MacLaren.
But in full trashbat mode, it's all about Bez!
Yah! Bez!
But it will probably go to some absolute wanker like Andrew Lloyd Webber.
2 - Eric Olsen
that would be wankish - the committee appears to be classically inclined
3 - Jim Carruthers
"And what do you do?"
The Queen asks Eric Clapton, though not Brian May, which would have led to a classic Abbott and Costello routine.
4 - Eric Olsen
probably for the best she isn't on the selection committee
5 - JR
Re: the Abbott and Costello routine,
I'm thinking they need to shedule (sic) a reception for Pete Townsend, Brian May and Dave Evans.
6 - Eric Olsen
"Who's on first?"
The opening act
7 - JR
Somebody long ago recorded a routine about a rock festival with The Who, The Guess Who and Yes. It got some radio play about twenty-five years ago.
There was also that bit with Mr. Rogers and the bass player: "Can you say that? 'Wimpy'?"
Somebody must know who did those...
8 - bmarkey
JR - the Abbott & Costello routine you refer to is from the "Animaniacs" cartoon series, braodcast in the early 90s. At least, that's where I heard it.
As for the Mr. Rogers interview with the bass player, as I recall that was a National Lampoon bit from their radio show, which would make it late 70s - early 80s.
I have trouble remembering my parents' birthdays, yet I retain useless info like that. Please shoot me.
9 - Silas Kain
And here I thought this article was about Dame Edna.