NME Awards 2014: The Arctic Monkeys, Lily Allen and Blondie Win Top Awards
Matt Helders: Bigger than Yeezus!
The Arctic Monkeys, Debbie Harry and Lily Allen were among the big winners at the NME music awards 2014.
Readers of the music magazine voted in eclectic categories that included Best Solo Artist, Hero of the Year and Godlike Genius prize.
Lily Allen was named Best Solo Artist beating off competition from music legends Sir Paul McCartney and David Bowie, as well Jake Bugg, Kanye West and Lorde who were also nominated in the category.
This is kind of dumb because David Bowie was in the same category, and Jake Bugg. So this goes to you guys really, not me. Thank you!
The Air Balloon singer said she was humbled by the honour, in view of the rock royalty that she was in company with.
"This is kind of dumb because David Bowie was in the same category, and Jake Bugg. So this goes to you guys really, not me. Thank you!"
The singer also took to the stage to present Blondie with the Godlike Genius award in recognition of a legendary career.
The 68-year-old was later joined by her band for an eight-song set to close the ceremony which included One Way or Another, Hanging on The Telephone and Call Me, rounded off with a rendition of the 1979 hit Heart of Glass.
The Arctic Monkeys have continued their winning streak after their recent triumph at the Brit Awards.
The group picked up prizes for Best British Band, Best Live Band, Best Album for AM and Best Fan Community while Alex Turner was named Hero of the Year over the likes of David Bowie, Russell Brand, Pussy Riot, Lou Reed and Este Haim.
Accepting the first award for their live shows, Turner made reference to his rambling acceptance speech at the Brits.
I'd like to thank the 'Academy' - I'm sorry, I couldn't resist that one, man. I think I used all my best s**t last week.
"So, Matthew [Helders], as the sun sets on award season for another year - just the big two left to go, eh? I'm talking of course about the Oscars and the NME Awards.
"That said, I'd like to thank the 'Academy' - I'm sorry, I couldn't resist that one, man. I think I used all my best s**t last week."
As they went up a second time to collect their Best Album prize, Helders referenced John Lennon's quote about The Beatles being "bigger than Jesus" and Kanye West's nominated album, saying: "Bigger than Yeezus!"
Meanwhile, One Direction singer Harry Styles was awarded the dubious title of Villain of the Year ahead of Miley Cyrus, Robin Thicke, UK Prime Minister David Cameron and Russian President Vladimir Putin. It's the second year in a row that the 19-year-old singer has won the award.
Speaking about the awards, NME editor Mike Williams said: "What an incredible night it has been! Tonight revealed the outcome of hundreds of thousands of votes by passionate music fans, reflecting just how much fantastic music there is to be celebrated both in Britain and internationally.
"We didn't think we could top 2013, but the NME Awards with Austin, Texas this year has been the biggest and the best so far, so I'm delighted we were able to bring the awards to more people than ever before via live streaming on NME.COM.
"Huge thanks must go to the amazing artists we saw perform live, the sponsors who made it all happen, and congratulations to all of the very worth winners!"
Other stars attending the event included Paul McCartney, Shane Meadows, Johnny Marr, Luke Treadaway, Haim, Metronomy, The Horrors, Peaches Geldoff and Jerry Hall.
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