Queen drummer Roger Taylor honoured by RNCM

The Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) has presented legendary Queen drummer Roger Taylor with a prestigious Fellowship in recognition of his significant contribution to popular music and almost six decades of songwriting.

Roger Taylor, who co-founded Queen in the early-1970s with Freddie Mercury, Brian May, and John Deacon, has earned international renown with his band and as a solo artist – selling more than 300 million records worldwide.

Roger Taylor with Andy Stott, Linda Merrick, and Manus Carey

He was presented with the award by RNCM Principal Professor Linda Merrick CBE and Professor Andy Stott, Head of Popular Music, before his performance at the Opera House, Manchester, on Fri 25 Sep, where he was appearing as part of a national tour for his seventh solo album, Violence Insane in a Beautiful World.

Receiving the award, he said: ‘Thank you so much to the Royal Northern College of Music for this fellowship award. I am honoured.’

Professor Linda Merrick CBE added: ‘We are delighted to award Roger Taylor with Fellowship of the RNCM, recognising his exceptional contribution to music and his continuing inspiration to young musicians pursuing careers in the industry.’

Roger Taylor is founder of the Roger Taylor Zildjian Studio at the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM), Guildford, a celebrated record producer, and was a member of the creative teams behind long-running London musical We Will Rock You and Oscar-winning movie Bohemian Rhapsody. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 25 years ago and holds an Honorary Doctor of Music award from the University of Plymouth.

Photo credit: Robin Clewley

26 September 2026