Sheik Shiraz Hoxton's Ivor Novello Report

Marilyn Manson - What Goes Around (Justin Timberlake Cover) - zShare



The Sheik left his camels with Albert and went to the posh London bash..

Ivor Novello's 2007

The 52nd Ivor Novello Awards took place at the ritzy Grosvenor House Hotel in London's (s)wanky Park Lane. Admittedly it was much nicer than my usual haunts of soul bars, Pakistani caves and fez clubs.

In town were some music industry elite including:

Sir Elton John, Amy Winehouse, Corrinne Bailey Rae, Quicy Jones, Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys, Albert Hoxton, Fat Boy Slim, Peter Gabriel and Mick Jones.



Madonna walked away with International Hit of the Year; unfortunately the leotard lady of pop was not in attendance to collect her accolade. That was left to super-producer Stuart Price aka Jacques Lu Cont. Clad in a Ralph Lauren shirt, complimented by a jumper thrown over his shoulders - he looked more like he belonged at the Henley Regatta.

Madonna - Sorry (Pet Shop Boys Mix) - iTunes

Amy Winehouse avoided the red carpet treatment and snook into the venue to pick up Best Contemporary Song. Fresh from her marriage to her new bloke over in the states, the pint sized star was pounced upon by the UK's press, all eager to get a piece of musics hottest property (Albert: Ne-Yo wasn't there was he?).



The man that goes by the name of Fat Boy Slim was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to British Music gong. Flanked by former House Martins band mate Paul Heaton, he seemed clearly overawed by the honour.

Fat Boy Slim - Wonderful Night - iTunes



Quincy Jones flew into town to receive The Special International award - admitting to waiting journalists that until Michael Caine explained what the ceremony was about, he didn't have a clue what he was here for! He revealed future plans include a high definition cinematic film about Brazil - with proceeds going to Hurricane Katrina victims as well as the people that live in the Favela's of Brazil.

Michael Jackson - P.Y.T - iTunes

Relative unknown Scott Matthews scooped the Best Song award, Yusuf Islam (a cousin of mine, twice removed) aka Cat Stevens rolled up to be awarded the Outstanding Song Collection (Albert: Someone gave Cat Stevens a copy of Rudebox? Why didn't Rudebox win?).

Errrr (we mean Sir) Elton John turned up to join Scissor Sisters on stage as they won the Most Performed Work award (Albert: AKA worse single in pop history). During his acceptance speech, the Lord of the Piano jokingly told Alex Turner from the Arctics that he could have a ride up to Sheffield with him in his private helicopter (what a cheeky man) - and warned Amy Winehouse that she'd better not cancel her next gig (Albert: ha ha Elton your a comic genius, stop now).



Wino famously pulled out of two gigs in London and was pictured looking suspiciously thirsty in her local branch of Tescos - whether the fact she was in the alcohol section at 11am on the day of her gigs was the cause for this cancellation is anyones guest. (Albert: she was allegedly in Shoreditch's Griffin pub with certain suppliers that night)


Amy Winehouse - Take The Box (Headquarters Mix) iTunes



Last but by no means least, Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys (Albert: The R Kellys of Indie) demonstrated a more mature approach to awards ceremonies. Clearly understanding of itsrespect in musical quarters - the frontman was apologetic for past actions:

'usually we just get these awards, get on stage and gob off... maybe it's cos I'm so young that I didn't really realise the importance of these awards...

The press scrum around him grappling to get a soundbyte of the Sheffield man
clearly backed this up.

Arctic Monkeys - Fluorescent Adolescent -iTunes

All in all an interesting awards ceremony. By no means the most Rock 'n' Roll
event when compared with the likes of the NME's (Albert: rubbish awards) and Q awards (Albert: who cares?), but nevertheless, a plethora of big name talent turned up to show their respect for what is seen as a highly prestigious ceremony.

Shake Your Tambourine...