Mark Oliver Everett (E) Receives Key To London

EELS frontman Mark Oliver Everett, a.k.a E was honored with one of the most prestigious and longstanding accolades in London’s history, the Freedom of the City of London (the Key to the City), today at a ceremony in London’s Guildhall.

In 2010, the Metropolitan Police questioned Everett, suspecting him of terrorism while on an innocent stroll through London’s Hyde Park. Today he said, “To go from being a suspected terrorist, to having the Freedom of the City is quite amazing. It shows that anything is possible in London. I love this place!” The award is one of the oldest surviving traditional ceremonies still in existence today, the first Freedom having been presented in 1237. Only in 1996 did it become possible for non-British citizens to be admitted. Winston Churchill, Princess Diana, and Nelson Mandela are among the few recipients of the award. Other musicians to receive the honor include Bob Geldof, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti – however E is the first singer of a contemporary rock band to receive this award.