After unrivalled success with The Jam, The Style Council and achieving acclaim from both critics and fans as a solo artist, Weller has certainly earned this coveted status.
Starting with the hugely successful band The Jam in 1976, Weller branched out musically in 1983 with The Style Council and has since achieved a God-like status as a solo artist. The principle figure of the Mod revival in the 70’s, Weller has become a music and style icon. After a career spanning four decades, the song writing legend is set to return with a new album Wake Up The Nation released 12th April.
NME is also pleased to announce that Britpop figurehead Jarvis Cocker will have the job of handing out the awards at this year’s event. Following in the footsteps of previous hosts including Russell Brand, James Corden and Matt Horne and Lauren Laverne, Jarvis will be presenting the awards to the hottest acts form the past 12 months.
At the heart of the 90’s Britpop explosion with his band Pulp, the eccentrically unique Jarvis Cocker was an obvious choice to host this year’s event. Cocker is no stranger to the awards after taking to the stage for a unique collaboration with The Gossip’s Beth Ditto in 2006 performing heaven 17’s ‘Temptation’. This time it is Jarvis’ turn to introduce the exciting live performances and the worthy winners to the stage.
Jarvis Cocker says: “I’ve been to these awards things and I’ve read out nominations and things like that but I’ve never anchored the whole show before. That's a challenge. But yeah, I hope to keep people interested, stop them from dropping off… So yeah, lets do it! I’m excited about it.”
The Godlike Genius award is the pinnacle of the NME Awards. Chosen by NME, it honours those music icons that have shaped the music landscape over the years. Previous winners include, The Cure, New Order, The Clash, Ian Brown and Manic Street Preachers.
Paul Weller says “I'm very happy to accept the award, I don't feel Godlike or a genius but I'm happy to have it. It's nice to be recognised, you get your rewards in other ways too like playing live and seeing people's reaction, but it's nice to be recognised. I'm very flattered. I shall find a special place for it. A little altar to myself with garlands of flowers around it!"
NME editor, Krissi Murison adds: “Paul was first on the cover of NME with The Jam in 1977 and then again when he reinvented himself with The Style Council. Three decades on he remains just as influential as a solo artist - and it’s this connection with the current music scene which makes him all the more Godlike.”
The Shockwaves NME Awards 2010, THE rock and roll party of the year, will return to iconic music venue O2 Academy Brixton on 24th February. Weller and Cocker will be joined by the who’s who of the music world where the winners of the public voted awards will be announced. With a staggering 1.3million votes cast so far for categories including Best British Band, Best Album and Best Solo Artist, music fans are keen to have their say on who they think are the worthy winners.
