Blur are set to receive the prestigious O2 Silver Clef award next month.
The 'Narcissist' hitmakers are among those due to be honoured at music therapy charity Nordoff & Robbins' annual O2 Silver Clef Awards in London on July 5, with newly announced recipients including AC/DC, Chaka Khan, Loyle Carner, Mark Knopfler, Young Fathers and Jacob Collier also set to receive awards at the ceremony.
Blur join the likes of the late David Bowie, George Michael, Sir Paul McCartney, Kylie Minogue, The Rolling Stones, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and Britpop rivals Oasis in winning the event's biggest honour.
Bassist Alex James said: “Making music with my mates in Blur has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. I'm absolutely thrilled to receive the O2 Silver Clef Award and to help raise awareness of such a fantastic organisation, Nordoff & Robbins.”
Meanwhile, AC/DC will receive the Legends Award in recognition of their 50 years of musical activity.
Brian Johnson said, “We are thrilled to receive the Amazon Music Legend Award. As a band, we have been providing our own form of musical therapy for the past 50 years, so Nordoff & Robbins' story of helping young and elderly people through the power of music is one that we understand and respect. We're grateful for this honor.”
Chaka Khan will receive the Global Impact Award in recognition of her international influence.
She said, “Music has always been my solace, my strength, my voice and my gift. I am honored to be a part of the Nordoff & Robbins creative community using the power of music to change, inspire and bring love to the world. Music truly is healing.”
Loyle will win Best Male Artist and Mark will receive the Music Icon award, Young Fathers will be named Best Live Act and Jacob Collier will take home the Innovation in Music award.
As previously announced, Jessie Ware will win Best Female Artist, The 1975 will win Best Group, Cat Barnes will win Best New Artist, Ezra Collective will win Contemporary Music, and Texas will win Outstanding Achievement.
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