Brian May on Impacting the Earth: ‘We Need to Stop What We’re Doing’

Brian May shared some strong feelings in a new interview about climate change and other ways humans are impacting the Earth.

Speaking with Sky News, May said, "Well, I think it's now pretty apparent that we are having an effect on the Earth, which is deleterious, and we need to stop doing what we're doing."

The Queen guitarist is then asked about how this July was the hottest month on record on Earth. He said,  "It's not just about climate change. It's about the way we're polluting the Earth and covering it in concrete and, basically, pretty much eliminating all species except the ones that we think are useful to us."

When he's not delivering heartbreaking truths, May continues to collect accolades. In March, the legendary guitarist received the rank of Knight Bachelor from the British Royal Family. May was knighted by King Charles III for his services to music and charity. And yes, this now makes him a "Sir."

May is far from the first musician to be recognized with a knighthood from the British Royal Family. Keep scrolling to see a number of music icons knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Queen Elizabeth II recognized many individuals with honors of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. During her legendary reign as Queen, she knighted a number of popular musicians.

Here is a brief explainer on the various levels of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Per the U.K.'s official Honours System website, the following are the five title distinctions in order of importance the British Monarchy can bestow upon individuals for their non-combative contributions to the U.K.:

-Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE): "Achievement or service in and to the community which is outstanding in its field and has delivered sustained and real impact which stands out as an example to others."

-Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE): "Distinguished regional or county-wide role in any field, through achievement or service to the community including notable practitioners known nationally."

-Commander of the British Empire (CBE): "A prominent national role of a lesser degree, a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community, or a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in his or her area of activity."

-Damehood/Knighthood (DBE/KBE): "A pre-eminent contribution in any field of activity (usually, but not exclusively, at national level), or in a capacity which will be recognized by peer groups as inspirational and significant nationally and demonstrates sustained commitment."

-Dame/Knight Grand Cross (GBE): "Grand Cross is the highest class in many of the Orders."

Typically, the head monarch will unveil these honors as part of every New Year. Additionally, their birthday also serves as a time to unveil new additions to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. People can be nominated via a special form.

With those definitions and information in mind, here are 13 iconic musicians knighted by Queen Elizabeth II.