The annual Nordoff Robbins O2 Silver Clef Awards awards return next month (3 July) for their 40th edition. Though well respected by artists and the music industry alike, the event is less well known to the pubic than some other ceremonies. To explain what it’s all about, and provide a sense of the Clefs’ history, chairman David Munns has made Q this playlist of some of their most notable winners. “Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with many many artists and as chairman of music therapy charity Nordoff Robbins I have seen firsthand the positive effect music has on our lives,” he explains. “The awards honour artists making outstanding contributions to the world of music while raising vital funds for Nordoff Robbins’ music therapy work. Since launching in 1976 we have celebrated 163 award winners including David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, The Rolling Stones, Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, The Bee Gees, Michael Bublé, Kylie Minogue, Pharrell Williams and raised more than £8.5 million. This year’s award winners include Iron Maiden, James Bay, Kasabian, Duran Duran, Rita Ora, Mark Ronson, Jake Bugg, Primal Scream and Il Divo.
“When I look down the list of past O2 Silver Clef winners, I realise how well British Music has been represented over the years. So, taken from the list of previous winners, here is a slightly eclectic bunch of tracks you will find on my playlist – and let me tell you, it ain’t easy to get on Munnsey’s list!”
Iron Maiden – Run To The Hills
“What an epic track. The best metal band in the world and a pleasure to work with over the years. Still find it hard to find a metal song to beat this one!”
The Who – My Generation
“A defining song for an old Mod like me – when I was a young Mod!”
Queen – Seven Seas Of Rhye
“I love all the Queen stuff but we forget how they rocked before Bo-Rhap. This song is hardcore and shows Brian May at his best.”
Tom Jones – Green Green Grass Of Home
“Never far from my turntable. Its effortless singing that does it for me and this is a great example.”
George Michael & Elton John – Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
“I have always had a thing for live albums – this song from Ladies And Gentlemen is a classic song and a classic performance.”
Pink Floyd – Pigs
“From Animals, their most underrated album. It shows the dark side of Floyd – if you pardon the pun.”
Oasis – Some Might Say
“Love the lyric in this song. What a great moment when they were on form!”
Coldplay – Yellow
“Love it when they get all moody.”
David Bowie – China Girl
“I was working for EMI in Canada when Let’s Dance came out – the gig in Montreal on that tour was like nothing I had ever seen before.”
Wet Wet Wet – Love Is All Around
“The old Troggs song. It sold about 15 million singles and I was trying to get them all manufactured in about three weeks! No wonder it has stayed with me – and my wife likes it!”
For more visit Nordoff-robbins.org.uk.
