3:15pm UK, Friday November 07, 2003

Pink Floyd guitarist Dave Gilmour and pianist Jools Holland said they were more nervous receiving honours from the Queen than playing for 100,000 people.

Gilmour picked up a CBE for services to music, while Holland collected an OBE in a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Pink Floyd's Dave Gilmour

Gilmour, 59, joked that the Queen had probably never even listened to Pink Floyd.

When asked what the Queen had said, he replied: "She said Pink Floyd had been doing it for a very long time and I had to agree.

"Playing to 100,000 people is not so nerve wracking, playing to a few people is much harder," he said.


Holland, leader of his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, has met the Queen before - at the Millennium celebrations in the Dome.

The pianist, 45, said he could never have imagined years ago he would one day be attending an investiture at Buckingham Palace.

"I think it is wonderful as it can encourage other musicians to see where things can lead."

"She (the Queen) asked if things in the music world were going well.

"I said this might serve as some encouragement for people to take up a musical instrument, which she seemed pleased about."