Stars Honored At O2 Silver Clef Awards 2016

July 4, 2016

A galaxy of stars gathered at the O2 Silver Clef Awards at Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Friday, to celebrate some of the biggest artists in music.

Over 1,000 guests attended music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins' annual fund raising event to honour winners Lionel Richie, Jess Glynne, Florence Welch, Olly Murs, Massive Attack, Craig David, Hozier, Patti Smith, Jeff Lynne and André Rieu, and One Direction, the only winners to be selected by public vote.

Charity patron and presenter Gaby Roslin hosted the event which featured the hotly anticipated O2 Silver Clef Auction with some incredible music memorabilia including a signed Jeff Lynne guitar and raised almost £120,000 for the charity. The total amount generated for Nordoff Robbins on the night was £602,000.

Others attending the Awards included Fearne Cotton, Ricky Wilson and MNEK who were interviewed by Peter Andre on the blue carpet.

During the event, Francesca Theodorou spoke about her daughter Elizabeth, who has weekly music therapy sessions at Nordoff Robbins. 23 year old Elizabeth suffers from dysphasia and mild autism, meaning that life can be totally overwhelming for her. Music therapy has changed Elizabeth’s life for the better, making a difference to her mental health and making her grateful for the things and the people around her.

Lionel Richie, who won the O2 Silver Clef Award, said: “In helping people through music, we are the voice of the voiceless and the face of the faceless. To this wonderful charity – thank you very much.”

Jess Glynne, who received the Jack Daniel’s Best Newcomer Award, said: “Music is a therapy for me in so many ways – in hard times, it is about hope. Hearing what Nordoff Robbins does to help people having a tough time is amazing, and for me to be a part of that in any way is a dream come true.”

Florence Welch, who won the Best Female Artist Award presented by Apple Music, said: For me, music is the best way to communicate, and I am so moved by the work Nordoff Robbins does. Thank you very much"

Olly Murs, who picked up the AEG Live Best Male Artist Award, said: “I’m so pleased Nordoff Robbins has recognised me with this award. Music has changed my life immensely. Nordoff Robbins is an amazing charity and let’s spread the word about the wonderful work they do.”

Craig David, who received the American Express Innovation Award, said: “Thank you to Nordoff Robbins, a charity very close to my heart. Music is a form of healing – it’s all I want to do and I’m proud to have been honoured today.”

Nordoff Robbins CEO Julie Whelan says: “For 41 years the event has been a key calendar date for us, celebrating the best in the music industry, whilst raising over £10 million for the charity. We are delighted to see so many fantastic people here to celebrate our very deserving 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.