News

The ‘modfather’ himself Paul Weller is to be honoured with the prestigious Silver Clef Award at this year’s O2 Silver Clef Luncheon in aid of Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy, the chosen charity of the UK music industry. The star-studded annual event takes place on Friday 29 June 2007.

A true British icon, Paul Weller is one of the most influential musicians of the past 30 years. As the songwriter, guitarist and lead singer in The Jam, creator of The Style Council and a hugely successful solo artist since 1991, Paul Weller has experimented with a range of musical forms to great acclaim.

The mid-’90s Britpop movement, highlighted by bands such as Oasis, borrowed much of its sound from Weller and his peers. On many occasions Oasis have paid tribute to Paul Weller’s musical legacy. When Noel Gallagher first met him at Glastonbury in 1994, Weller told an awe-struck Noel that he really liked his song, ‘Supersonic’. Gallagher later confessed that it was the best thing to have happened to him all year as The Jam are a band he places second only to the Beatles in the history of British rock music.

Over the course of his four decade spanning career, Paul’s own style has evolved, with a unique ability to move seamlessly among rock, soul, pop and electronic jazz. His 1995 album Stanley Road and 2002’s Illumination both topped the U.K. charts. His most recent 2005 studio release ‘As Is Now’ was lauded by the critics with the first single ‘From the Floorboards Up’ reaching No. 6 in the UK Singles chart. In 2006 he was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the BRIT Awards, and then embarked on a major European and UK tour, which culminated in a December performance at London’s Alexandra Palace.

“I’m flattered to be awarded with this years Silver Clef award - I look forward to the ceremony” Paul Weller explained, “this event is in aid of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy which makes it even more worthwhile”

Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy is the largest music therapy charity in the UK, providing over 30,000 sessions annually with children and adults through 50 projects throughout the country. The annual O2 Silver Clef Luncheon, which began in 1975, is now the jewel in the charity’s fundraising crown and a highlight of the music industry’s calendar. Sponsored by O2 for the past six year, last year’s awards raised in excess of £465,000.

Seven other awards will be presented during the luncheon including Best British Band, Best International and Icon. Last year’s winners included Kaiser Chiefs, The Eagles, Girls Aloud, Editors and Foo Fighters. The 2006 Silver Clef Award recipients were Sharon and her Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne.

For information on tickets to the 2007 Silver Clef Luncheon contact the Nordoff-Robbins fundraising Office on 020 7371 8404.