Music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins has revealed the final artists to be honoured at the prestigious O2 Silver Clef Awards, taking place in London on July 1.
Multi-million selling album artists Massive Attack will be awarded the Royal Albert Hall Best Group Award, Irish hit-maker Hozier will be presented with the Raymond Weil International Award, Grammy-nominated and critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Craig David will receive the American Express Innovation Award, the Founder of ELO Jeff Lynne will pick up the Icon Award and influential punk rock icon Patti Smith will be presented with the Google Outstanding Achievement Award at the annual star studded ceremony at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.
Other acts receiving awards include international superstar Lionel Richie who will receive the O2 Silver Clef Award, pop sensation Jess Glynne who will receive the Jack Daniel’s Best Newcomer Award, singer/songwriter Olly Murs will pick up the AEG Live Best Male Artist Award, Florence Welch, singer, songwriter and lead singer of British indie rock band Florence + The Machine, will be presented with the Best Female Artist Award and André Rieu will be collecting the PPL Classical Award.
Massive Attack are Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall. The Bristol group have released a series of era-defining records, from their 1991 debut album Blue Lines through to this year’s acclaimed ‘Ritual Spirit’ EP, which featured collaborations with Tricky, Azekel, Roots Manuva and Young Fathers.
“Throughout their career, Massive Attack have continually pushed the boundaries, exploring the incredible possibilities of music through pioneering experimentation, exceptional songwriting and a complete contempt for the restrictions of genre,” said Lucy Noble, Director of Events at The Royal Albert Hall, sponsors of the Best Group Award. “They are as exciting, dynamic and original as ever. We still have fond memories of their magnificent headline show in 1998 – a highlight of the band’s famous Mezzanine Tour – and are delighted to announce that they are the winners of this year’s Royal Albert Hall Best Group.”
Andrew Hozier-Byrne, better known as Hozier, is the award winning multi-platinum selling Irish singer who released hit single Take Me To Church in 2013 which became a global phenomenon. In 2015, the track was then nominated for Song of the Year at the 57th annual Grammy Awards and he performed Take Me To Church with Annie Lennox at the ceremony itself. He went onto win song of the year at the BBC awards and was also awarded the prestigious Ivor Novello award for song of the year, musically and lyrically, in the same year.
“I truly believe in the power of music to help and heal so I feel privileged and very happy to be presented with the Raymond Weil International Award by Nordoff Robbins,” said Hozier.
Craig Leach at RAYMOND WEIL sponsors of the International Awards adds, “Congratulations to Hozier for being presented this prestigious award. Since his arrival onto the music scene, his unique style of music has made him stand out and has brought him amazing success, while staying true to his own personal sound and style. We are very proud to be the longstanding sponsor of the International Artist Award, which each year recognises an international musician for the music contribution. Hozier joins a star-studded list of winners from previous years and rightly deserves this accolade. As a brand, the O2 Silver Clef Awards is something we always look forward to, celebrating the achievements of all the winners and the brilliant work of the charity on the day.”
Craig David first rose to fame in 1999 and has had 15 UK Top 10 singles and six UK Top 20 albums, selling over 15 million records worldwide as a solo artist. Craig David’s career has seen a revival in recent months, with his sights set on all the major UK and European festivals in 2016, including Glastonbury later this month.
“I’m really proud to accept this award from Nordoff Robbins who provide a fantastic and much needed service to those in need. I am really looking forward to being at the awards on the big day!” said Craig David.
“American Express is thrilled to be supporting Nordoff Robbins again at this year’s O2 Silver Clef Awards, and look forward to celebrating both their amazing work and great talent at this year’s event. We would also like to congratulate Craig David on winning the American Express Innovation Award,” added Lisa Gregg, Head of International Card Products and Experiences at American Express.
The London Evening Standard Icon Award will be awarded to Jeff Lynne, founder of ELO. From 1972 to 1986, ELO has had twenty seven Jeff Lynne penned Top 40 songs on the UK Singles Chart, and fifteen Top 20 songs on the US Billboard Hot 100. Previous recipients of the Icon Award include Primal Scream and Fatboy Slim.
“I am thrilled to be receiving the Icon Award. There are so many people who benefit from the charity’s work and I am honoured to have been made part of it,” said Jeff Lynne.
Jon O’Donnell, Managing Director of ESI Media said: “ESI Media, home of the The London Evening Standard, is extremely proud of its continued association with Nordoff Robbins and all the fantastic work they do. This year we’re delighted to be presenting the Icon Award to a giant of the Music Industry on behalf of a giant hearted charity.”
Patti Smith is an American singer-songwriter, poet, and visual artist who became a highly influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her 1975 debut album Horses. She co-wrote Because the Night with Bruce Springsteen which reached number 13 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1978.
“I’m excited and thrilled to receive this award. I want to say a huge thank you to Nordoff Robbins for all the amazing work they do which makes an incredible difference to people’s lives,” said Patti Smith.
“We are honoured to be supporting Nordoff Robbins at this year’s O2 Silver Clef Awards, and a sincere congratulations to the amazing Patti Smith on winning Outstanding Achievement. We’re thrilled to be behind an award which is honouring someone who has made such an incredible contribution to music,” added Christophe Muller, Director of International Music Partnerships at Google Play and YouTube, on behalf of Google, which sponsors the Outstanding Achievement Award.
Since launching in 1976 the O2 Silver Clef Awards have raised more than £9million to fund Nordoff Robbins’ music therapy work.
“The O2 Silver Clef Awards are one of the reasons why Nordoff Robbins is able to continue delivering life-changing music therapy to so many vulnerable people,” said Nordoff Robbins CEO Julie Whelan. “For 41 years the event has been a key calendar date for us, celebrating the best in the music industry, whilst raising over £9 million for the charity. Our 2016 winners are all incredible acts and we are delighted to add them to our very deserving list of winners.”
In the 41 year history of the Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Awards, some of the biggest names in the music industry have been honoured including Iron Maiden, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, the Bee Gees, Michael Buble, Kylie Minogue, Pharrell Williams, Il Divo and many more.
