Elton John & Others Reportedly Decline Playing King Charles’ Coronation

Elton John is one of a list of notable British musicians that have declined to perform at the Coronation concert for King Charles III.

The special event honoring King Charles III’s ascending to the throne is set to take place on May 7. The Daily Mail, citing U.K’s The Sun, reports Sir Elton turned down the invite to perform at the concert due to his ongoing touring schedule. Additionally, Harry Styles, a reunited Spice Girls and Robbie Williams were also invited to perform but turned down their invitation. “Busy schedules” were cited as their reason for not performing.

Believe it or not, more artists were invited to perform at the Coronation concert only to decline. Per OK! magazine, Adele and Ed Sheeran were both invited to perform, and both pop stars declined. The outlet noted, “[The King] was very keen that they were part of the concert.”

It added, ” … There is a team set up to get the talent signed up so they approached the two of them, but got replies saying that they were unavailable, which was a massive disappointment. They are titans of the showbiz industry and are quintessentially British but also known across the globe. It’s such a shame.”

King Charles III’s Coronation concert may end up being finalized right up to May 7. Of course, news of all of the declined invites has certainly raised plenty of eyebrows. However, comedian/writer Rohita Kadambi pointed out something rather obvious regarding this news. She wrote on Twitter, “Did he really think Elton ‘Candle in the Wind’ John would perform? Be so f-cking for real, Charlie.”

Whether or not Sir Elton’s friendship with the late Princess Diana played into his decision is anyone’s guess. Nonetheless, it’s hard imagining is not.

13 Iconic Musicians Knighted by 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’s 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.”

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