Led Zeppelin win Polar music prize

Led Zeppelin have been named one of two winners of the annual Polar Music Prize. The Swedish group that gives out the award called Zeppelin "one of the great pioneers of rock," and the citation also said, "Their playful and experimental music combined with highly eclectic elements has two essential themes: mysticism and primal energy. These are features that have come to define the genre 'hard rock.'" The awards, as well as a cash sum of about $120,000, will be handed out by Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf at the Stockholm Concert Hall on May 22nd.

Guitarist Jimmy Page is no stranger to the ceremony. He was in Stockholm in May 2004 to read the official citation when B.B. King got his award.

The other 2006 Polar Music Prize winner is Russian conductor Valery Gergiev.

Others who have been honoured include Paul McCartney, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan.

The Prize is given to artists "in recognition of exceptional achievements in the creation and advancement of music. The prize breaks down musical boundaries by bringing together people from all the different worlds."