Ringo Starr and Barry Gibb knighted

The Beatles drummer Ringo Starr and Bee Gees founder member Barry Gibb have been awarded knighthoods in the Queen's New Year honours.

Starr's knighthood comes more than half a century after he received an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) at the height of the Fab Four's fame.

Barry Gibb, who is recognised for his services to music and charity, told the Press Association that being awarded a knighthood was “a moment in life to be treasured and never forgotten.” 

Also among those featured in the New Years honours list, which recognizes British citizens for their achievements in public life and service to the United Kingdom, is Soft Cell vocalist Marc Almond, who receives an OBE for services to arts and culture.  Other honorees include Wiley (real name Richard Cowie) - widely acknowledged as a pioneer of the distinctly British form of hip-hop known as grime. He is awarded an MBE for his services to music. British actor, writer and musician Hugh Laurie -- who has released two blues albums -- is awarded a CBE in recognition of his work in television, film and drama.