Prince, Bon Jovi, James Brown, Brian Wilson, Dusty Springfield, Led Zeppelin and Rod Stewart were inducted tonight (Nov. 14) into the U.K. Music Hall of Fame during a ceremony at London’s Alexandra Palace.
They joined legendary Beatles producer Sir George Martin, who received this year’s honorary membership in recognition of his exceptional contribution to British music.
A supergroup assembled to pay homage to Martin, performing a slew of hits from the Beatles’ seminal 1969 album “Abbey Road.” The group gathered Queen drummer Roger Taylor, Razorlight frontman Johnny Borrell, soul singer Corinne Bailey Rae and Swedish singer/songwriter José González with a full orchestra and choir.
Martin was on hand to conduct the collective. He will again take center stage during a media gathering at Abbey Road Studios this Friday (Nov. 17) to unveil the forthcoming Beatles “Love” album project.
Wilson, Bon Jovi and Brown also performed live at the Hall of Fame event.
In his opening remarks, veteran BBC radio presenter Paul Gambaccini told the audience that London’s O2 Dome – formerly the maligned Millennium Dome – would permanently house the UK Music Hall of Fame from 2008.
Since its launch in 2004, 20 acts and individuals have been granted membership of the U.K. Music Hall Of Fame, including the Beatles, Bob Marley and the Rolling Stones.
Inductees are selected by a steering group, comprising more than 60 artists, music journalists, broadcasters and music industry executives.
BBC Radio 2 was to carry a delayed broadcast of the gala on the night, while U.K. terrestrial TV broadcaster Channel 4 will beam the event Nov. 16. U.S. audiences can catch the ceremony Nov. 25 on VH1.
The ceremony was produced by Endemol’s U.K. TV production division Initial for Channel 4.
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news