Review: NME Awards 2013

The most infamous awards in the British music scene took place on Wednesday night at a little known theatre in East London; an awards show that in the past has given us Matt Bellamy rants, Kate Moss tantrums and more hook-ups than a tart’s boudoir. 

Of course I am talking about the NME Awards, taking place this year at The Troxy, a British institution and celebration of all-things rock and indie - with a sprinkle of pop thrown in for good measure. 

2013’s awards were just as entertaining as its predecessors, with rock royalty and celebrities out in force to perform, pick-up awards and generally party the night away. 

The awards opened with a fantastic performance from Scottish talents Biffy Clyro performing hit 'The Captain'. The boys also picked up an accolade for the Best British Band, beating stiff competition from the likes of Kasabian and The Vaccines. 

Other notable winners of the night were Florence Welch picking up Best Solo Artist, (although whether she is in fact a solo artist is debatable), and Best Dancefloor Anthem for ‘Sweet Nothing’ with Calvin Harris. 

Best Track was picked up by Foals for their epic hit 'Inhaler', which they also performed at the awards to much delight of myself and the crowd. 

Surprises of the night were from The Maccabees picking up Best Album for Given to the Wild over favourites Alt-J, and Ronnie Wood turning up to collect Best Live Band and Best Music Film for Crossfire Hurricane on behalf of the newly-reformed Stones. 

Ronnie also went on to present the most prestigious award of the night, God Like Genius, to pal Johnny Marr for his contribution to music over the past decade. Johnny touched the hearts of the audience with his acceptance speech, which advised kids who have ever thought about starting a band to, as Nike would say, “just do it – it’s the best job ever”. 

Biggest losers of the night were Jake Bugg and M.I.A, who despite being nominated for six awards between them, walked away empty handed - although should have picked up Best Album and Best Video respectively. 

However the real winners, or losers, of the night were our greatest British Export One Direction, who won Worst Band and Villain of the Year in Harry Styles to a round of customary boos and jeers. 

As always the NME awards pulled out all the stops when it came to collaborations and this year was no exception. Everyone’s favourite Manc and Liverpudlian, Paul Weller and Myles Kane, took to the stage for some serious guitar action, whilst the biggest cheer of the night went to the God Like Genius and his presenter, Jonny Marr and Ronnie Wood. 

These types of priceless duets prove why the ticket price is well worth the money. The night was hosted by usually funnyman Russell Kane, not that the crowd nor listened or cared. It was uncomfortable at times and I did feel sorry for Russell as every joke went down like a lead balloon. In the end he was even jibing at his own ability to keep the crowd interested, making us lose confidence even further. At an awards ceremony where the prime focus is to finish every bottle on the table and then some, there is really no point in spending the money on a half-decent act as quite frankly, no one gives a toss. 

The Outstanding Contribution award went to Yorkshire lads The Cribs, who have delighted the music scene with over ten years of hits such as Mirror Kissers. 

However the unsung Outstanding Contribution award goes to the awards themselves, for breathing some freshness and debauchery into awards ceremonies as a whole. With the backlash from the Brits dubbing acts ‘boring’, it is nice to see that Britain has still got a bit of charisma and edge – and we sure know how to throw a party!

Thanks to id&c for the event wristbands