On March 31, German metal queen Doro Pesch (60) received a lifetime achievement award in her former hometown of Düsseldorf. The award was presented to the singer in a grand, ceremonial setting by Klaus Meine, frontman of the legendary rock band SCORPIONS.

“I am overjoyed and deeply moved,” Doro said. “It is a tremendous honor to receive this lifetime achievement award from my hometown of Düsseldorf.”

With heartfelt emotion, she added: “A very special thanks also goes to Klaus Meine of SCORPIONS for his touching tribute and his wonderful friendship. This evening will always hold a very special place in my heart.”

The award honors Pesch‘s groundbreaking career, which began in the 1980s with her band WARLOCK. As one of the first women to break into the male-dominated heavy metal scene, she established herself as a lasting force in the international music industry. With over ten million albums sold and more than 3,500 concerts across 60 countries, the Düsseldorf native is among the most successful female rock musicians of all time.