Pavarotti and Geldof honoured at Platinum Europe Awards

Luciano Pavarotti and Sir Bob Geldof are set to receive special honours at the Platinum Europe Awards, staged by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry in Brussels on 10 July. The awards, this year hosted by French electro-genius Jean Michel Jarre, honours artists who achieve sales in excess of one million in Europe. Pavarotti will be presented with an award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’, the first time a classical performer has been given an award in the event’s seven year history. Jay Berman, Chairman of IFPI, told us: "For the first time the IFPI Platinum Europe Awards is honouring classical music and its contribution to European culture. Luciano Pavarotti is a towering figure in the music world and he has an enormous influence on widening the popularity of opera and classical music around the globe. I am also delighted that this year's ceremony will pay tribute to Sir Bob Geldof who is not only an innovative musician, but has used music to mobilise public opinion to extraordinary effect." Artists set to perform at the ceremony include French singer Hélène Segara, German rock star Westernhagen, Belgian singer Axelle Red, Finnish dance group Bomfunk MC's and representing the British contingent R&B boyband Blue. Press information from LD Publicity on 020 7439 7222.