Ferry honoured by royal recognition

Ferry, 65, has had a recording career spanning nearly 40 years, releasing his band Roxy Music’s first single Virginia Plain in 1972.

He is currently touring his latest solo album Olympia, and has played reunion shows with Roxy in recent months. “It is a great honour to receive this award for services to music,” Ferry said.

“I would like to thank those who have given me the award, and all the musicians and others behind the scenes who have helped me throughout my career.”

Despite his aristocratic image, the singer had humble beginnings in the Wearside town of Washington. He studied fine art in Newcastle and worked as a teacher in London.

Ferry soon became a style icon, with outrageous outfits giving way to 1930s elegance, but Roxy’s experimental sounds were groundbreaking in their day.