Annie Lennox, Liza Minnelli, Paul McCartney Honored At Charity Awards

The 36th annual Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Awards took place on Friday 1st July at the London Hilton on Park Lane.

Tinie Tempah, photo: John Marshall via Nordoff Robbins

Each year Nordoff Robbins Silver Clef Awards celebrate the very best in the music industry, recognising outstanding musical talent and raising thousands of pounds for Nordoff Robbins’ vital work transforming the lives of vulnerable people through music.

Jane Moore hosted the exclusive Awards lunch, which saw nine honourary awards presented throughout the afternoon, culminating with the coveted O2 Silver Clef Award which this year went to acclaimed musician and campaigner Annie Lennox. She was presented with her award by soul and R&B singer, Beverley Knight.

The multi-talented Liza Minnelli received the Investec Icon Award, adding this trophy to her collection of Oscar, Grammy, Tony, BAFTA and Golden Globe awards accumulated throughout her outstanding career which has earned her international acclaim and a multitude of dedicated fans. Liza received her award from TV chat show presenter Graham Norton.

The Sony Ericsson Lifetime Achievement Award (presented by Bill Kenwright CBE, leading West End Theatre producer and Chairman of Everton Football Club), went to Brit-rockers Status Quo in tribute to their four decade long career which has seen them open Live Aid, record 64 British singles – including hits ‘Caroline’, ‘Rockin All Over The World’ and ‘Down Down’. The band are currently on tour.

The PPL Classical Award went to Alfie Boe, the leading classical tenor now starring in the West End production of ‘Les Miserables’, and whose last album ‘Bring Him Home’ has been certified Gold with over 100,000 sales. Alfie was presented with his award by his Les Miserables co-star Matt Lucas.

The Hard Rock Ambassadors of Rock Award was presented to Canadian seven piece band Arcade Fire, whose most recent album ‘The Suburbs’ debuted at No. 1 in the UK and the US. Their sold out shows at New York’s Madison Square Garden were filmed for a live YouTube stream, garnering an audience of 1.8 million, and director of this video, Terry Gilliam, presented the band their award.

Author John Niven presented Biffy Clyro with the Royal Albert Hall Best British Band Award. The Scottish rock sensations, whose hit singles include ‘Mountain’, ‘Saturday Superhouse’ and ‘Many Of Horror’ are gearing up for summer performances in UK and in Europe this month.

The TAG: Design & Interactive Newcomer Award this year went to British chart sensation Tinie Tempah, who in the last 12 months has topped the UK charts twice as well as going straight to the top of the album charts with debut ‘Disc-Overy’.

The Raymond Weil International Award went to Swedish House Mafia who, in addition to their residency at the Masquerade Motel in Ibiza superclub Pacha, will appear at many UK and European festivals this summer in support of their massive club hits ‘One’ and ‘Miami 2 Ibiza’. Unfortunately they were stuck on a plane en route to the Awards and didn’t make it in time to collect their Award in person.

In addition McFly collected the award for American Express Digital Innovation in recognition of their forward thinking and revolutionary artist fan site, Super City, a brand new McFly universe connecting the band direct to their fans. They were presented with their award by Myleene Class.

David Munns, chairman of Nordoff Robbins was present to welcome and thank all guests and award winners saying: “Each and every one of today’s winners at the Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Awards has made a unique contribution to music – from Annie Lennox, one of the world’s most successful recording artists, having sold 80 million records, to Tinie Tempah who, in the last 12 months alone, has had a No. 1 album, two No. 1 singles and won two BRIT Awards.”

The renowned Nordoff Robbins Charity Auction always included some fabulous surprises and this year didn’t disappoint with prizes including a signed Kings Of Leon guitar, a meet and greet and concert tickets for Dolly Parton, a luxury holiday in Bali and a limited edition Raymond Weil watch. A massive £325,000 was raised during the day – a fantastic amount.

Paul McCartney was voted by the public as best live act for his current world tour: “This is phenomenal news!” he said in a message read out at the event. “To be voted the Best Live Act by the public when the competition was so amazingly strong is very special indeed. Thanks to Nordoff Robbins and all the fantastic work you guys do.”

The event was once again sponsored by O2, who have been proudly supporting Nordoff Robbins for the last 9 years. “Nordoff Robbins has done some fantastic work over the years in improving the lives of others,” said Shadi Halliwell, Head of Brand, O2. “O2 is passionate about music and our partnership with Nordoff Robbins allows us to help make a real difference to peoples lives through music therapy.”