International superstar Lionel Richie will be presented with the prestigious O2 Silver Clef Award at Nordoff Robbins' star-studded O2 Silver Clef Awards on Friday 1 July.
Joining him will be AEG Live Best Male Artist Olly Murs and André Rieu, who will collect the PPL Classical Award.
The O2 Silver Clef Awards will be taking at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.
Lionel Richie has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making him one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time. He is a multi award-winner with an Oscar and four Grammy awards under his belt as well as being named as the 2016 MusiCares Person of the Year for his charitable work. He will embark on a world tour that will bring him to Europe this Summer. Richie is being presented with theaward in recognition of his long and successful career, and follows previous winners, Iron Maiden and Jimmy Page.
“I am so proud to be one of the few Americans to receive the O2 Silver Clef Award which supports such a wonderful charity,” said Lionel. “Nordoff Robbins dedicate themselves to changing lives through music, and to me that is something truly special.”
Gareth Griffiths, Head of Sponsorship at O2 said “Congratulations to Lionel Richie for winning the O2 Silver Clef Award – a deserving accolade for someone who has contributed so richly to music over the years. We’re proud to be continuing our longstanding partnership with Nordoff Robbins and supporting the fantastic work they do with music therapy. At O2 we recognise the power music can have on people’s lives, which is why the O2 Silver Clef Awards not only celebrates the biggest names in music, but also helps raise important funds for delivery of this invaluable work.”
Singer, songwriter and presenter Olly Murs rose to fame in 2009 on talent show the X Factor and is one of the UK’s most successful artists having achieved four UK number one singles and three UK number one albums. As one of the country’s leading male pop stars, he has sold more than 13 million records worldwide and has performed in front of millions.
“I am thrilled to have won the AEG Live Best Male Artist Award,” said Olly. “To be recognised by Nordoff Robbins, a charity who do such amazing work in helping so many people through music therapy, is a real honour. I look forward collecting my award at the event in July!”
Colin Chapple, COO of award sponsor AEG Live said "On behalf of AEG Live I’m thrilled that Olly Murs has been awarded “Best Male” by Nordoff Robbins, particularly as we look forward to his appearance at this year’s Barclaycard presents British Summer Time Hyde Park. Nordoff Robbins continues to inspire, educate and change the lives of young people through music and AEG Live is proud to support such an important charity."
Renowned violinist and conductor André Rieu will be collecting the award previously won by Il Divo and Gareth Malone. Rieu, known internationally as the ‘King of the Waltz’, has sold 40 million records and performs to a live audience of over half a million people each year. He is best known for creating the waltz-playing Johann Strauss Orchestra in 1987 – the biggest private orchestra in the world.
“I am honoured to be receiving the PPL Classical Award at the O2 Silver Clef Awards,” he said. “Music is such a unique and powerful tool, and it is wonderful to see Nordoff Robbins use music in such a positive way to support those who are facing so many challenges in life.”
PPL’s CEO Peter Leatham added “We would like to congratulate André Rieu on winning the PPL Classical Award. As a violinist and conductor, Andre’s emphatic contribution to classical music across nearly four decades makes him truly deserving of this award. We are delighted to be sponsoring an award which celebrates such great classical talent, and to be supporting this very worthwhile charity.”
The O2 Silver Clef Awards 2016 recently announced that pop sensation Jess Glynne will receive the Jack Daniel’s Best Newcomer Award and Florence Welch, singer, songwriter and lead singer of British indie rock band Florence + The Machine, will be presented with the Best Female Artist Award, previously won in its inaugural year by Rita Ora.
