Ghost & Opeth Guitarist to Honor Queen at Prestigious Polar Music Prize Ceremony
The legendary rock band Queen is set to be honored at this year's Polar Music Prize ceremony, and the celebration will feature a unique tribute from an unexpected collaboration. Ghost, known for their theatrical performances and haunting melodies, will be joined onstage by Opeth guitarist Fredrik Åkesson for a special performance honoring the iconic band.
The ceremony, scheduled for May 27th at the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm, Sweden, promises to be a star-studded affair. Alongside Queen, the Polar Music Prize will also recognize the immense contributions of American jazz legend Herbie Hancock and Canadian soprano and conductor Barbara Hannigan.
Adding to the excitement, Adam Lambert, who has been touring with Queen's Brian May and Roger Taylor for the past 13 years, will also grace the stage with his own tribute. Other notable performers include Miriam Bryant, Erik Grönwall (formerly of Skid Row), Esperanza Spalding, Robert Glasper, and Leo Genovese.
Queen themselves expressed their gratitude for the honor, stating, "We are highly and deeply honored to be given the Polar Music Prize this year. It's incredible, thank you so much."
The Polar Music Prize, founded in 1989 by Stig "Stikkan" Anderson, the manager of ABBA, celebrates groundbreaking achievements in both contemporary and classical music. Laureates receive one million Swedish Krona (approximately $93,897 USD) and recognition in the presence of the Swedish Royal Family.
Marie Ledin, managing director of the Polar Music Prize, emphasized Queen's enduring impact: "QUEEN, a band synonymous with the very fabric of pop culture, have made an impact on music that spans decades, generations and genres. They are a most deserving recipient, beloved the world over."
For Ghost, this performance adds another highlight to their already impressive year. With a No. 1 album under their belt, the band's appearance at the Polar Music Prize seems particularly fitting, especially considering frontman Tobias Forge's admission that Freddie Mercury served as an inspiration for the band's evolving "Papa" persona.
This event quickly follows the Ghost's European tour. Adding to Tobias Forge’s schedule he will honor Black Sabbath at their final concert on July 5th in Birmingham, England, before Ghost embark on a run of US arenas this summer, with dates kicking off July 9th in Baltimore.
The blend of musical styles and talents at the Polar Music Prize ceremony promises a memorable tribute to Queen's lasting legacy. What are your thoughts on this unusual collaboration? Who else would you like to see honor Queen's music?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
