The Clash to be given honorary Silver Clef award for contribution to UK music
The band will join previous winners David Bowie, Paul McCartney and Oasis in receiving the title
The Clash are set to pick up The Silver Clef Award (for outstanding contribution to UK music) next week at the 38th edition of the annual ceremony.
The award, which is the main prize of the entire event, has previously been won by legendary British musicians including Queen, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd, as well as some more unlikely choices such as M People and Dido.
Speaking about this year’s choice of recipients, David Munns, chairman of music therapy charity Nordoff-Robbins who receive funds raised by the event, stated: “The Clash’s music has just as much influence today as it did when they first came onto the music scene in 1976. It is no wonder London Calling has been described as one of the most influential rock albums of all time.’ He then continued on to say: “Having been enormously influential in the UK music scene for over 35 years, I can think of no band more deserving of this award than The Clash.”
Clash member Mick Jones, meanwhile, added that: “Nordoff Robbins do great work and it feels special to be recognised at the O2 Silver Clef Awards.”
The Clash, who rose to prominence in the mid-70s with hits including ‘Should I Stay Or Should I Go’, ‘London Calling’ and ‘(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais’ split in 1986. Singer Joe Strummer passed away in 2002.
Alongside the iconic punk band, a plethora of other musicians are also set to be honoured at the forthcoming event. Vampire Weekend are due to receive the Raymond Veil International award following the release of this year’s LP ‘Modern Vampires of the City’, whilst Coldplay will take home the Royal Albert Hall Best British Act Award and Kinks founder Ray Davies will collect the Hard Rock Cafe Ambassador of Rock title.
Other winners on the night will include Jessie Ware (MusicQubed Best Newcomer), Labrinth (American Express Innovation Award) and The Bee Gees’ Barry Gibb, who will accept the Sony Mobile Lifetime Achievement Award.
The ceremony will take place at the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane next Friday (June 28)
Source: NME
