Egos And Icons: The BRIT Awards Turn 30

23 January 2010

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As the UK's biggest music awards ceremony gets ready to celebrate 30 years of the cream of industry talent next month, the British public can expect to be rewarded with an evening of world-class entertainment as the BRIT Awards showcase the biggest and the best names around. But, like every year, it won't be just the music we're talking about the next day as the headlines are sure to be dominated by who dared to reveal what when they were boozed up on stage and who ended up with whom at the end of the night. So, as music's biggest stars turn out to watch the star-studded event, how will it compare to the past 30 years worth of entertainment?

The hottest date in the musical calendar certainly has a lot to live up to, going by the controversies, trials and tribulations of the last few years, but when the show first began it was a relatively sober affair. Originally launched in 1977—when it was known as the BPI Awards—the awards honoured the previous 25 years of popular music, starting from 1952, rather than just the successful artists of the previous year. No surprises then when The Beatles scooped the most prizes - although they didn't even turn up to receive their rewards. It wasn't until the 1990s that the BRITs really took off, and audiences became accustomed to watching attention-grabbing hosts, awkward acceptance speeches, and Oscar-worthy arguments fought live on stage.

The 1996 awards show was perhaps one of the first most particularly memorable for controversy when Jarvis Cocker jumped on stage in protest to Michael Jackson's performance of the 'Earth Song'. The Pulp star then proceeded to lift up his shirt and point his bottom in the 'Thriller' singer's direction. Despite being questioned by the police on suspicion of causing injury towards three of the children in Michael's performance, no criminal charges were brought forward. His outburst simply set the tone for what was to come in following years.

In 1998, Labour MP John Prescott showed us why politics and drunken celebrities don't usually mix in the same circles. The Labour cabinet minister turned up to the awards, in what has been seen as an attempt at appearing "cool" to the electorate, but this infuriated Danbert Nobacon of the politically active band Chumbawamba. Danbert thought it would be acceptable to throw a bucket of iced water over a red-faced Prescott and refused to apologise afterwards, saying: "If John Prescott has the nerve to turn up at events like the Brit Awards in a vain attempt to make Labour cool and trendy, then he deserves all we can throw at him."

But being "cool" is of course what the BRITs is all about. With acts like Robbie Williams and Oasis thrown into the mix for the 2000 show, TV bosses must have known the stars would be throwing their weight around, trying to show the other who was boss. Robbie - who was blissfully unaware at the time that he was heading towards a long spell in rehab and a departure from music - had struck up a friendship with the Gallagher brothers from Oasis. Their camaraderie was however short-lived as just before the show the two parties traded insults in the press with Noel Gallagher notably referring to Robbie as the "fat dancer" from Take That. In response, Robbie then challenged Liam Gallagher to a televised fight saying to the audience: "So, anybody like to see me fight Liam? Would you pay to come and see it? Liam, a hundred grand of your money and a hundred grand of my money… we'll get in a ring and we'll have a fight and you can all watch it on TV, what d'you think about that?" Fortunately, Liam was touring with Oasis at the time, but of course, the tabloids loved it.

And it's this kind of controversy which show producers were looking for when they first started preparations for this year's BRITs. With pops finest ladies leading the nominations for the 2010 show, American star Lady Gaga was quickly signed up to perform as she's a guaranteed scene stealer with her provocative outfits and raunchy dance moves. But, it seems, Gaga will be fighting her way for attention as it's pretty clear 2010 is the year of the female. Amongst the British stars, the 'You Got The Love' singing sensation Florence and the Machine takes the lead with three nominations, but she'll have to knock off the very feisty Lily Allen, (also nominated for three awards), as well as relative newcomer Pixie Lott. Lily - who has previously snubbed the BRITs back when her single 'Smile' didn't get nominated for the Viewers Choice Award - admitted it was a "huge honour" to have her music "recognised in this way." Similarly, the quirky Florence is unable to believe her luck with the nominations, saying "it seems unbelievable."

But the British girls will all have to keep their eyes open for the Gaga who is intent on world domination. The 'Bad Romance' singer has also been nominated for three awards - International Female Solo Artist, International Breakthrough Act, and International Album for 'The Fame' - and with her performance already dubbed as the one to watch out for, perhaps we ought to prepare ourselves for the biggest catfight of the year between the Gaga and Miss Allen as to who should be the new Queen of pop.

Out of all the nominees, Ged Doherty of Sony Music U.K. predicts strong results for Lady Gaga, the woman who's come from no-where in the space of a year.

He said: "I think she is bound to do well on the night. I think the line-up of performers is brilliant. It's probably the most diverse I think I've ever seen, you go all the way from Doves to Lady Gaga and all points in between."

huge honour to have her music recognised in this way. Similarly, the quirky Florence is unable to believe her luck with the nominations, saying it seems unbelievable.

Nestled amongst this head-to-head battle of females, a few male acts have been allowed into the squeeze. Teen heartthrobs JLS received nods in three categories, while Dizzee Rascal and Paolo Nutini, are all up for two gongs.

Singer JB of JLS said: "We only knew we were performing and obviously we're excited about that but to get three nominations is incredible."

Bandmate Marvin added: "It's the biggest night of the music year, so for us to be associated with the Brits, it's incredible."

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