Overview

• King Carl XVI Gustaf presented the award to Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor alongside jazz pioneer Herbie Hancock and conductor-soprano Barbara Hannigan.
• Roger Taylor praised the prize’s unique focus on lifetime achievement while Brian May reflected on Queen’s 1970s origins and their decades-long journey.
• Adam Lambert performed Queen classics and Ghost delivered a soaring rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody” as part of an evening of tributes that also included jazz honours for Hancock by Esperanza Spalding and Robert Glasper.
• Brian May’s appearance followed his return to the stage at Coachella last month in Indio, California, marking his recovery from a September stroke.
• Founded in 1992 by ABBA manager Stig ‘Stikkan’ Anderson, the Polar Music Prize joins previous laureates such as Paul McCartney, Elton John and Iggy Pop.