UK music biz comes out to celebrate Silver Clef Awards winners

Over a thousand members of the UK’s music community turned out for the annual O2 Silver Clef Awards, in support of music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins. 

The event, held at London’s Grosvenor House, raised £663,000 (A$1.12 million) on the night.

This included an auction of memorabilia, including a drum skin signed by Phil Collins, a Fender guitar with Nile Rodgers’ signature, and an original Goldfinger poster signed by Dame Shirley Bassey. 

Bassey was also awarded the main O2 Silver Clef Award, presented by Alfie Boe and Michael Ball and receiving a standing ovation.

“Music I have always believed is magic," Dame Shirley told the audience.

The Welsh superstar added that a few days before the awards, “I was invited by Nordoff Robbins to sit in on one of their therapy sessions, and to see how each person reacted to the sound of music was truly magical. 

“It has been magical for me because it has helped me through many a tragic moment in my life.”

These included the death of her daughter Samantha Novak, who was found in the River Avon in August 1985, and a series of failed marriages.

Rodgers, as he accepted the International Award, exclaimed; “I can’t believe this, that I’m in this room with Eric Clapton, Phil Collins...

“When I was a kid I used to dream of being in the rock and roll business...It’s unbelievable, it’s so incredible to me. I thank you. I am so honoured.” 

Backstage Rodgers was still vibing on his life, about beating cancer and returning to the UK to play before 200,000 at the Glastonbury festival.

As someone who started out in community service, he recounted that as soon as his plane landed in London, a friend asked him to come straight to Grenfell Tower where he joined other volunteers in packing clothing for the victims 

Debbie Harry, accepting the Outstanding Achievement trophy on behalf of Blondie, stated, “I couldn’t be happier to receive an award that is about music and what it does for people, because it certainly has done a lot for me.” 

Perrie and Leigh-Ann from Little Mix noted on their Best Live Act win, “We are so proud to be the first female act to win the award, it is such an honour.”

Other winners were Phil Collins (Icon), Mumford & Sons (best group), Emeli Sandé (best female), Pete Tong (Innovation), Anne-Marie (newcomer) and Alexander Armstrong (classical).

Since 1976, the Silver Clef Awards has raised nearly £9 million ($15.2 million) for Nordoff Robbins.

The 02 has been its sponsor for ten years, while brands sponsoring individual categories included Ticketmaster, Royal Albert Hall, Raymond Weil, American Express, Jack Daniels, Amazon and PPL and Bose.

Image via Nordoff Robbins