A CELEBRATED rock legend has earned the status as a Suffolk Icon – adding to a list of achievements in a career spanning almost 40 years.

Brian Eno, Suffolk-born keyboard player and founder member of 1970s glam rockers Roxy Music, is currently in the top five in a race to be named as Suffolk’s top icon.

The Choose Suffolk-led contest currently sees the rocker at number four.

Just ahead of him are two iconic Suffolk creations – a pint of Adnams and Broomhill Pool, Ipswich.

However, the music legend – who was born in Woodbridge and educated at St Joseph’s College, Ipswich – still has a long way to go to catch up with Danni Filth, lead singer of British extreme metal band Cradle of Filth. The singer has attracted more than 10,000 votes as a Suffolk Icon and is currently running away with the race.

Eno was voted as a Suffolk icon by young up-and-coming multi-instrumentalist, James Spankie.

He said he selected Brian Eno because of his impact on contemporary music.

He added: “He is also the pioneer of ambient music, a form of minimal music that has influenced many bands such as Sigur Ros, who in turn have made a huge impact on modern music.”

Alex Paul, tourism manager for Choose Suffolk, said: “It’s great to see such an influential and world-renowned musician staking his claim to be a Suffolk Icon.

“Brian Eno’s musical influence is recognised around the world and he has played a huge role in the recording of some of the biggest albums of recent decades.

“We’re thrilled that the Suffolk Icons website has captured so many people’s imaginations and it is throwing up some really interesting choices, ranging from beach huts and Suffolk Punch horses, to historic buildings and legendary pop stars.”

For more information about Choose Suffolk, visit www.choosesuffolk.co.uk and to find out more about the Suffolk Icons project visit www.suffolkicons.co.uk