Brits organisers have confirmed the rumours that Paul Weller will get the award for outstanding contribution to music at next year's awards bash, which are to be held at Earls Court in February. David Bowie, Sting, U2 and Duran Duran are amongst the past recipients of this particular honour, which, the Brit guys say, recognises music types "whose influence, longevity and creativity puts them in the very top ranks of UK artists." On the decision to present the award to Weller, BPI chairman Peter Jamieson said: "Paul Weller is an artist who scores on every measure and typifies the range and quality of British music at its best."
The nominations for the remaining awards will be revealed in January. Weller's eighth solo album 'As Is Now' is out now.