Radiohead, famed for their distinctive brand of haunting rock, are
officially the best band in the world, according to this year's annual
Q Awards.
And while Liam Gallagher was unusually well-behaved it was former
Sex Pistol John Lydon who stole the limelight as he heckled winners
and tried to hand back his own award.
Oxford-based Radiohead beat off competition from the likes of the
Stereophonics, Manic Street Preachers and last year's winners Travis.
Radiohead, who have achieved the difficult task of breaking the US
market, were voted favourites by the readers of music magazine Q.
The awards, which are well respected within the music industry, also
singled out veteran singer Kate Bush for a special classic songwriter
award.
After receiving a standing ovation she said: "This is just great,
I am making an album but it is just taking a little longer than I
thought and I have been having a great time with my son."
Last year's award ceremony was dominated by the much-publicised spat
between Liam Gallagher and Robbie Williams.
This year it was the turn of punk star Lydon, who arrived at the
ceremony at London's Park Lane Hotel with his elderly father John,
and received the Inspiration Award for influencing music today.
But as he collected his award he asked: "Who wants this, because
it doesn't mean anything to me."
The best new act award was presented to Starsailor, while a Q
Merit Award was handed to singer and songwriter Elvis Costello.
Other winners included Ash for the single Burn Baby Burn and Scottish
outfit Travis for the album The Invisible Band.
Despite picking up three Q Awards in a row, Travis said they were
always suprised to be voted.
Singer Fran Healy said: "We always feel a little intimidated
when we look at the other bands up for awards, we always think we
do not stand a chance of winning."
The Manic Street Preachers were named best live act, following their
groundbreaking series of concerts in Cuba earlier this year.
And the cartoon band the Gorillaz, formed by Blur singer Damon Albarn
and illustrator Jamie Hewitt, were awarded best video for Clint Eastwood.
The band, who never appear on stage at their concerts, had earlier
snubbed a nomination for the Mercury Music Prize.
And Roxy Music founder Brian Eno was awarded handed the Special Award.
Although Irish stars U2 were nominated in three categories they failed
to collect an award.
Instead they were honoured with the Q Editor's Choice title, for
their consistent success.