The Q Awards: round-up

The Brits came out on top at the Q Awards last night, with most of the main titles being awarded to iconic bands that represent the Britpop era. Blur walked away with Best Live Act while Pulp managed the Q Inspiration award.

The Q Awards have a less than solid reputation, being better known for the rowdy audiences (that’s what will happen when musicians are given a lot of booze, and no food except Maltesers). It isn’t unheard of for guests to leave in ambulances, or for uncomfortable arguments to break out between nominated acts that never make the stage. Most notably in the case of Madonna and Elton John, who decided to mime their performances despite being given the Best Live Act Award. Last night’s affair avoided controversy, however, and made a noble effort to include some lesser-known artists.

Successful new artists to the industry last night included Emeli Sandé, who experienced a phenomenal profile lift after being asked to perform at the opening and closing ceremonies of the London Olympics. She said that in light of this, she had been approached to lend her talents “to some really cool people… I don’t know if I’m allowed to say who at the moment, but I have written on the new Alicia Keys album”.

Finishing the evening, Dionne Warwick won the award for Q Classic Song and offered a small insight into the creation of the iconic Walk on By, revealing that she had been “in the room” when Hal David and Burt Bacharach wrote it.

As to be expected, the Q Awards was an eclectic affair, attracting icons and honouring some iconic music from across the world. However, the real winners of the night were the British acts, receiving ten awards in total. “It has been the most incredible year for British music,” said Q Magazine’s editor Andrew Harrison.

Clare McCraith

For more information on the Q Awards, click here.

The winners of the Q Awards are as follows:

Best new act – Django Django

Best track – Plan B, Ill Manors

Best album – Bobby Womack, The Bravest Man In The Universe

Best live act – Blur

Best video – Keane, Disconnected

Best solo artist – Emeli Sandé

Best act in the world today – Muse

Q Classic Song – Dionne Warwick, Walk On By

Q Spirit of Independence – The Cribs

Q Innovation in Sound – Underworld

Q Inspiration Award – Pulp

Q Icon Award – Dexys

Q Classic Album – Manic Street Preachers, Generation Terrorists

Q Hero – Johnny Marr

Q Idol – Brandon Flowers