Queen guitarist Brian May among those receiving honours at Buckingham Palace

The musician is responsible for some of the biggest riffs in popular music.

Brian May of Queen performs during the BBC’s Platinum Party at the Palace staged in front of Buckingham Palace, London, on day three of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II. Picture date: Saturday June 4, 2022. (PA Archive)

Sir Brian May will be among those recognised at Buckingham Palace later after he was given a knighthood in the New Year Honours.

As the virtuoso guitarist in rock band Queen, the 75-year-old is responsible for some of the biggest riffs in popular music, from the solo on Don’t Stop Me Now to the melodic strums of Somebody To Love.

Alongside late frontman Freddie Mercury, bassist John Deacon and drummer Roger Taylor, he scored numerous number ones during the group’s ’80s heyday, touring the world.

The musician, astrophysicist and animal welfare advocate is being recognised for his services to music and charity.

Sir Brian is no stranger to Buckingham Palace, having performed during the Golden Jubilee in 2002, playing a solo guitar version of God Save The Queen from the roof of the famous royal residence.

In June last year he performed at the Platinum Jubilee, where the late monarch tapped the beat of We Will Rock You on a teacup at the end of a sketch featuring Paddington Bear.

There is also a prestigious honour on Tuesday for former Treasury permanent secretary Sir Tom Scholar, who becomes a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath having been summarily sacked by short-lived prime minister Liz Truss on her first day in office.

The UK’s ambassador in Kyiv, Dame Melinda Simmons, will receive a damehood for her services to British foreign policy.

Saxophonist and broadcaster YolanDa Brown will be made an OBE for services to music, music education and to broadcasting.

Originally from Barking in London, the 40-year-old’s music brings together reggae, jazz and soul, and she has collaborated with acts such as Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, Stereophonics frontman Kelly Jones and Rick Astley.