10th November 2011

Queen Reissues Triumph At Classic Rock Awards

 

Brian May and Roger Taylor last night attended the Classic Rock Magazine Roll of Honour Dinner and Awards ceremony, at the world famous Roundhouse in Camden, London.

The event, hosted by KISS bassist, Gene Simmons, was attended by some 500 musicians, industry figureheads and VIPs, who enjoyed a champagne reception, a first class 3- course dinner, followed by the awards' presentation. Gene said he was flattered to have been approached for it. "Its such an honour to be hosting this event. There are so many legends from music here tonight."

The winners (full list below) included Foo Fighters (Band Of The Year) and Manic Street Preachers (Classic Songwriter award), which is their first accolade in the Classic Rock Awards seven year history. Pink Floyd member Roger Waters' 'The Wall Live Tour' was named Event of the Year and Deep Purple received The Innovator Award, for their contribution to music.

Brian May and Roger Taylor were honoured with the award for "Best Reissue" (sponsored by The Alchemy Cartel) in recognition of - the re-release of their last five albums: 'The Works', 'A Kind of Magic', 'The Miracle', 'Innuendo' and 'Made in Heaven' - fighting off strong competition from The Who's Live at Leeds and David Bowie's Station to Station deluxe.

After collecting the award, guitarist Brian May told BANG Showbiz: "It's so great to win this because we really wanted people to have the chance to hear our music. A lot of people just know the greatest hits of course so it's great to get these out there for everyone to hear. We put our heart and soul into making these records, for months and months on end."

"It's a very nice surprise to me," Brian told BBC6 Music.  "You do beaver away on these projects and alot of time and effort went into this and you think will anyone actually notice how brilliant they are and appreciate them and the good news is they do."

For the final award - the most prestigious of the evening - it fell to Roger Taylor to introduce Jeff Beck and to present the legendary guitarist and former member of the Yardbirds with the award for "The Living Legend", in association with Orange Amplification. (Previous recipients of this award include Jimmy Page, Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osbourne, Rush and Iggy Pop.)

6 Music reports - In typical humle fashion he was taking the award in his stridd: "It's a bit overblown, it's a bit over the top, I am me and I am never going to forget who I am and I am glad I am rooted on the ground and my Mum would never have tolerated that rubbish."

Jeff Beck concluded the night with a virtuoso guitar performance, accompanied by Chrissie Hynde and Joss Stone.

ORANGE AMPLIFICATION CLASSIC ROCK ROLL OF HONOUR 2011

- FULL LIST OF WINNERS as follows:

Event of the Year - Roger Waters' 'TheWall Live Tour'

Breakthrough Act of the Year - Black Country Communion

The Spirit of Prog - Jethro Tull

The Innovator Award - Deep Purple

Musicians' Union Maestro Award - Steve Winwood

Tommy Vance Inspiration award - Steve Marriott

Classic Songwriter - Manic Street Preachers

Outstanding Contribution - Bob Ezrin

Metal Guru Award -The Scorpions

Classic Album Award - The Who 'Quadrophenia'

VIP Award - Baron Wolman

Best New Band - Vintage Trouble

Album of the Year - Michael Monroe for 'Sensory Overdrive'

Re-issue of the Year - Queen 'Re-Issues' package of their final five albums

Film/DVD Award- Lemmy for 'Lemmy'

Band of the Year - Foo Fighters

The Living Legend Award - Jeff Beck

For more details on the awards ceremony visit: www.classicrockmagazine.com

Some small images can be seen here on the Rex Pictures website.

The brand new edition special awards issue of Classic Rock Magazine, which goes on sale TODAY.– and it’s got a ton of free gifts to boot.