Queen Receive Award
Band are honoured with PRS For Music Heritage award.
Queen went back to the site of their first gig, Imperial College London, where the plaque was unveiled by PRS Chairman Guy Fletcher. The small gathering consisted of close friends and family, including Freddie Mercury's sister, Kashmira Cooke.
PRS For Music began the Heritage Award in 2009 in order to draw attention to the role which live music venues play in launching the world's most influential talent. Past recipients have included Jethro Tull, Supergrass and Elton John.
"The first proper gig we did was at Imperial College in the Union Hall,” said Brian May. "I remember it very distinctly because I’d seen all sorts of people playing in there. I’d been part of the Entertainment Committee and we booked a group every Saturday night in those days. People like Spooky Tooth and Steamhammer! We booked Jimi Hendrix, too. So for us it was a dream come true to actually play on that stage. It used to get packed in there so it was a major stepping stone for us.”
"Imperial College was effectively our positional and spiritual base and so means a lot to Queen,” added Roger Taylor. "Many good memories, without it...who knows?”