Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon was was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music and charity at a ceremony held at Windsor Castle on 12 November.
The award, presented by William, Prince of Wales, recognizes Le Bon's lasting influence on music as well as his dedication to charity.
Le Bon shared his excitement and gratitude for the award, calling it “incredible and completely unexpected”. Reflecting on the honor in June, he said: “It's fitting that the accolade has been given not only for my role in music, but also for the work I've been lucky enough to be involved with outside of the band for some of the causes I believe in.”
After receiving the prestigious award, Le Bon told the Press Association: “It is the most immediate and essential aspect of our work, to stand up and sing a song or make music in front of a crowd.”
“I was a very nervous performer. I was terrified and slowly I was able to overcome that fear and I don't have it anymore. I just go out there and it feels natural.”
In addition to his musical achievements, Le Bon has been an active supporter of many organizations including Blue Marine Foundationwhich focuses on ocean conservation, and the Tall Ships Youth Trustproviding sailing opportunities to disadvantaged young people across the UK Le Bon's love of sailing also led him to support the Air Ambulance Service.
Known for Billboard Hot 100 hits like “Hungry Like the Wolf,” “Rio” and “Girls on Film,” Duran Duran's journey spans the glitz and glamor of the 1980s New Romantic scene to today's stardom .
Their career has earned them many accolades including a Brit Award for Lifetime Achievement, two Ivor Novello Awards, two Grammys and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2022, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame finally inducted Duran Duran.
In 2023, the band's Halloween-themed album Danse Macabre became a top 10 hit on the Top Selling Albums chart and reached No. 4 in the UK charts, marking another high point for the band. This Halloween, they followed up with a sold-out show at Madison Square Garden in New York and released an extended version of Danse Macabre, accompanied by the Secret Oktober concert.
From the early 80s to the present day, Duran Duran have amassed a legion of fans with hits such as 'The Reflex', 'A View to a Kill' and '90s staples 'Ordinary World' and 'Come Undone”. Their presence in pop culture remains undeniable – William's late mother, Princess Diana, also adored the band and finally got to meet her musical idols at the 1985 premiere A view of a Kill.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/duran-duran-simon-le-bon-honored-mbe-1235827433/
