Good old Q magazine yesterday held its annual reader-voted music awards in London, with few surprises in the awards given. Keane, Franz Ferdinand and Muse continued their successful years by picking up the awards for best album, video and live act respectively. Jamelia took the gong for best single for her track 'See It In A Boy's Eyes' while Razorlight were named best new act, and Mick Jones took the title of best producer for his work on the new Libertines album.
As for classic performers, Shane McGowan took the Q Merit Award, the Pet Shop Boys the Q Inspiration Award, the Human League the Q Innovation and Sound Award, U2 the Icon Award, Roxy Music the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Elton John the Classic Songwriter Award.
It was Elton John and Roxy Music's Bryan Ferry who got most attention at the proceedings. The latter for speaking out in support of his son Otis, who was one of the five pro-fox hunting supporters who invaded the British House Of Commons last month(his comments were received by quiet booing from the Q Awards audience). The former for his outburst against Madonna who he accused of miming at concerts, saying: "Anyone who lip-synchs in public on stage when you pay £75 to see them should be shot".
In response to Elton's outburst, Madonna's US press agent Liz Rosenberg last night denied that the star used lip-synching when performing live, adding: "Nor does she spend her time trashing other artists. She sang every note on her Re-invention tour live." However on Elton's remark that, following his outburst he would no longer be on Madonna's Christmas card list, Rosenberg said: "Elton John remains on her Christmas card list whether he is nice.... or naughty."
Anyway, back to the awards, full list of winners as follows:
Best new act: Razorlight
Best producer: Mick Jones (for 'The Libertines')
Best live act: Muse
Best video: Franz Ferdinand (for 'Take Me Out')
Q Merit Award: Shane McGowan
Best single: Jamelia (for 'See It In A Boy's Eyes')
Q Innovation and Sound Award: Human League
Q Inspiration Award: Pet Shop Boys
Best Album: Keane (Hopes and Fears)
Best Act in the World Today: Red Hot Chili Peppers
Q Classic Songwriter award: Sir Elton John
Q Icon Award: U2
Q Lifetime Achievement Award: Roxy Music