Biffy Clyro, The Maccabees and The Killers picked up the main prizes at last night’s (February 27th) NME Awards, which were held in London.
Biffy Clyro were named Best British Band, with frontman Simon Neil telling the crowd there are, ‘So many great British guitar bands, always have been and always will be’. After their record ‘Given To The Wild‘ was named Best Album, The Maccabees gave their acceptance speech via an iPhone, while The Killers won Best International Band.
Proceedings were closed by Johnny Marr, who was the recipient of this year’s Godlike Genius award. Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, who had earlier seen his own band presented with the Best Live gong, presented Marr with the accolade after a glowing video tribute which included contributions from Stephen Street, Bernard Sumner, Sandie Shaw, Miles Kane, Suede, Edwyn Collins, Bernard Butler, Andy Rourke and Noel Gallagher – who remarked:
“He can’t be imitated as a guitarist because he came up with something that was totally unique. He can play those riffs like it’s the most natural thing in the world. It is natural to him and that’s what separates great people from the rest, Neil Young has got it, Bob Dylan’s got it, Keith Richards has got it, Jimmy Page and Paul Weller have got it and Johnny Marr has got it. He doesn’t even grimace when he plays guitar, he looks like he’s riding a fucking bike.”
2013 NME Awards selected winner:
Best British Band
Biffy Clyro
Best International Band
The Killers
Best Solo Artist
Florence + The Machine
Best New Band
Palma Violets
Best Live Band
The Rolling Stones
Best Album
The Maccabees – ‘Given To The Wild’
Best Track
Foals – ‘Inhaler’
Best Video
Arctic Monkeys – ‘R U Mine?’
Best Festival
Reading & Leeds
