DRUM & BASS legend Goldie collected his MBE from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace today.
The 50-year-old, real name Clifford Price, was honoured for services to music and young people and described today’s experience as “very beautiful”.
He told reporters: “It’s a bit of a shocker but a very, very beautiful thing to happen. I think it also stands for what you can achieve – anything really.”
“I’m very happy. It was a complete surprise to me (to get an MBE). Why would they ever? It’s beautiful. I can see my old dear, Margaret (his mother), smiling – she passed last year. Who would ever have imagined I would be given this kind of silverware.”
Born to a Scottish mother and Jamaican father, Goldie spent his early years in children’s homes after his mother put him into care.
Later years saw his introduction to breakdancing and graffiti art, where he showcased his artistic skills, before making his hugely successful foray into the drum & bass music scene in the early ‘90s and subsequently setting up his own record label, Metalheadz.
The star has long credited music for “saving my life’” as he campaigned for the government to continue to fund the arts world.
“Art and music is so important for young people – the arts need to be supported and I think there are so many Clifford Prices out there like me,” he said.
Recent years have seen him rack up what some may describe as more ‘high brow’ achievements, like classical music composition and successful art exhibitions as well as receiving an honorary degree of Doctor of Social Sciences from Brunel University in 2010.
He went on: “I remember in 1977, when I was with 43 kids in a children’s home in the Midland, the Silver Jubilee taking place and thinking what’s this all about? Now look at me.”
“Paid a little visit to someone today,” he wrote alongside an image posted on Facebook, which showed Prince Charles attached the ribbon to the lapel of his suit.
He was subsequently inundated with message of congratulations from his friends.
Author: Chief Editor
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