Nordoff Robbins – the charity that harnesses music to reach children and adults whose lives are constrained by illness, disability, trauma or exclusion – has announced the list of winners who will be honored at this year’s O2 Silver Clef Awards Lunch on July 1.
- The major O2 Silver Clef Award will go to Annie Lennox.
Joining an illustrious list of artists whose talent has been celebrated with the O2 Silver Clef Award, Annie said about the award: “I am thrilled and honoured to be receiving the O2 Silver Clef Award from Nordoff Robbins. I’ve supported Nordoff Robbins over the years and I’m a firm believer in their work and the healing power of music.”
Annie Lennox is one of the most successful female artists in UK music history, with global record sales exceeding 80 million. As one half of the chart topping synth-pop outfit The Eurythmics (who won the Silver Clef Award in 2000), alongside Dave Stewart, and with several BRIT and Grammy awards under their belt, Annie went on to forge a hugely successful solo career. Her debut album ‘Diva’, released in 1992, sold over 8 million copies. With five studio albums and eight BRIT awards under her belt, Annie’s most recent album, ‘A Christmas Cornucopia’ was released November 2010 and charted in the UK Top 20.
In addition to Annie’s long career as a musician, she continues to dedicate a tremendous amount of time and effort to charity work and humanitarian causes around the world and was recently honoured with an OBE.
- The Sony Ericsson Lifetime Achievement Award will go to Status Quo.
One of the most successful and iconic British rock acts of all time, Status Quo have acquired legendary status with a career spanning over four decades. The opening act for Live Aid in 1985, the band have recorded 64 British singles, more than any other band, with hit singles including ‘Caroline’, ‘Rockin All Over The World’, ‘Down Down’ ‘Pictures of Matchstick Men’, and have had more hit albums in the UK charts than any other band apart from The Rolling Stones. Status Quo will be touring Europe and the UK from June. Status Quo were also awarded the Silver Clef Award in 1981.
Status Quo said “We’ve supported Nordoff Robbins for some time. The work they do, helping people through music, giving them hope, is a really amazing thing. We are proud and honoured to be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Silver Clef Lunch. To be receiving this Award from an organisation who have been transforming lives through music for over 50 years makes this an even greater honour.”
- The Investec Icon Award will go to Liza Minnelli.
With an unrivalled spirit, enthusiasm and commitment to her craft, Liza has won a plethora of outstanding international awards including the Oscar for Best Actress (‘Cabaret’ 1973), a Grammy, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe and numerous Tony Awards. In film, on stage and in television, Liza has earned critical acclaim, a multitude of fans, and recognition from her peers, giving new dimension and credibility to the word “superstar”. Liza returns to the UK this summer for a string of high profile concerts including the Royal Albert Hall and Kenwood House in London – her first UK live appearances since 2008. A brand new album, Confessions, is due for imminent release!
Liza Minnelli said ’’What a great honour it is to receive this prestigious award. The work of Nordoff Robbins helps so many people, and I am truly delighted to be invited to the Silver Clef Awards this year."
- The Royal Albert Hall Best British Band will go to Biffy Clyro.
Biffy Clyro are one of the biggest British rock bands of the last ten years with five studio albums under their belt, with their most recent album Only Revolutions reaching No. 3 in the UK album chart. Renowned for their explosive live performances, Biffy Clyro have achieved seven Top 20 singles including ‘Saturday Superhouse’, ‘Folding Stars’, ‘Mountains’ and ‘Many Of Horror’.
Biffy Clyro commented, “We follow in the footsteps of some great bands who’ve received this award and we couldn’t be happier with this honour. Music has been a massive part of our lives – just like it is for all the people Nordoff Robbins help.”
- The TAG Best Newcomer Award will go to Tinie Tempah.
The undisputed breakout star of 2010, Tinie Tempah has enjoyed a tremendous 12 months – he has topped the UK Singles Chart twice (with ‘Pass Out’ and ‘Written In The Stars’) as well as going straight to No. 1 with debut album Disc-Overy in October 2010. A two-time BRIT Award winner in 2011, Tinie has toured with some of the biggest names in R&B and hip-hop including Jay-Z and Rhianna, has been endorsed by the likes of P Diddy and Snoop Dogg and has developed his own clothing brand, Disturbing London
- The PPL Classical Award will go to Alfie Boe.
Alfie Boe is one of the UK’s leading tenors, whose most recent album ‘Bring Him Home’ is now certified Gold with over 100,000 sales. Recent opera performances have included a return to the English National Opera in ‘La Boheme’ and “The Mikado” and also the Royal Opera House in Gounod’s ‘Romeo et Juliette’. After the sell-out concert performances at The 02 to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Les Miserables, Sir Cameron Mackintosh announced last month that Alfie will be reprising the role of ‘Jean Valjean’ in London’s West End from the end of June, through to end of November, just ahead of his first sell-out UK Tour
On being told about his award, Alfie said… "Nordoff Robbins is an incredible charity and I am honoured and humbled to be receiving the Classical Award at the Silver Clef Awards. Nordoff Robbins’ life changing work has the power to help so many people."
This star-studded event in aid of music charity Nordoff Robbins, the chosen charity of the music industry, will take place on Friday 1 July at London Hilton, Park Lane. More information can be found here.
