Yerevan/Mediamax/. World-famous musician, guitarist of “Queen” band Brian May visited Armenian Embassy in London on October 7, where he was awarded Order of Honor.

In 2009, Armenian President Serzh Sargsian signed a decree on awarding musicians Brian May, David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), Ian Gillan (Deep Purple) and Geoff Downes (Asia) with Orders of Honor. They all took active part in recording “Smoke of the Water” song within the framework of Rock Aid Armenia project, organized in 1989 by Jon Dee, who was also awarded Order of Honor.

Brian May’s awarding ceremony took place in Armenian Embassy in London, since the heavy schedule of the musician does not allow him visiting Yerevan yet.

Armenian Chargé D'Affaires ad interim in Great Britain Gagik Kirakosyan read out the Armenian President’s decree on awarding and presented the Order of Honor to Brian May. The touched musician stated in response that he is “very proud that he can consider himself a small part of Armenian history”.

Mediamax Director Ara Tadevosyan presented to Brian May the details of Rock Aid Armenia project’s contribution, which aims at rebuilding Gyumri N6 music school. In particular, he stated that Ian Gillan, Tony Iommi, Nicko McBrian (Iron Maiden) and Jon Lord (ex-Deep Purple) recorded a new song “Out of My Mind” in London Sarm Studios on October 6 especially for Rock Aid Armenia project.

“Queen” guitarist did not rule out that he may participate in the project of Gyumri school rebuilding.

In an exclusive interview to Bravo.am Brian May stated that in 1989, he immediately agreed to participate in recording of “Smoke on the Water” song, since he knew that the project aimed at helping people, who had suffered from the earthquake in Armenia.

“Jon Dee asked me who I could involve and I said that I would make a few phone calls. Thus, Tony Iommi and Paul Rogers joined the project. I should also say that this recording became a wonderful opportunity for joint work. For instance, we are close friends with Tony Iommi, but we do not often get the chance to play together. Another exciting moment was that the matter concerned recording Smoke on the Water song – a song that was known to all guitar players in the world. I am very proud of my participation in that project”, Brian May stated in an exclusive interview to Bravo.am.

Next week, the release of the new version of Smoke on the Water, recorded by the stars in 1989, will take place. “I am very glad that the spirit is still alive and I urge everybody to buy this song, since each cent, received from its sale, will be used for a wonderful school in Armenia”, Brian May stated.

Exclusive photos of Mediamax on Brian May’s awarding are available at http://www.bravo.am/news/brian_may/