Both in their 60s and still rockin’ all over the world despite the occasional farewell tour, they’ve both said they’re proud to accept the honour, which has been awarded for their services to music and charity.

They’ve been the driving force behind one of Britain’s most successful acts of the last four decades.

“Us, of all people,” Rossi told The Guardian. “I’m not sure that we deserve it, but fuck it, I’m so made up it’s ridiculous.

“You hear about people refusing them because it’s not rock ’n’ roll but that’s a dickhead approach. My partner [Parfitt] is even more excited about it – he’s probably blubbing. You start off rebellious, a teenager in a band, but you end up being part of the establishment.”

After more than 40 years, 22 British Top 10 singles, 32 album hits and more than 118 million record sales worldwide, Quo is still recognised as one of the UK’s hardest-working acts. They have also raised millions for charity.

Parfitt told the Guardian he thought his decades of wild living would have prevented him being a suitable candidate for an honour.

“I’d kind of given up hoping, particularly with my wild past,” he said.

Other awards for those working in theatre, film and entertainment included a CBE for Universal Music Group International chairman and chief executive Lucian Grainge.

Claire Bertschinger, whose appearance in Michael Buerk’s 1984 reports on the Ethiopian famine inspired Bob Geldof to organise Live Aid, is made a dame for services to nursing and international humanitarian aid.

Click here to read the complete Guardian article.