Collins, Lennox top U.K. awards

Press, 12 February 1986, Page 10

Collins, Lennox top U.K. awards

NZPA-PA London The British rock star, Phil Collins, was top of the pops again yesterday when he won two British record industry music awards. The former Genesis drummer, now a songwriter and solo singer, was named best British male artist and also collected the award for the best British L.P., “No Jack Required.” Annie Lennox and Davie Stewart of The Eurythmics were named best British female artist and British producer respectively. The awards were presented at a star-studded ceremony in London presented by Noel Edmonds and Mike Smith, and seen live on 8.8. C. television by millions of viewers. The American superstar, Bruce Springsteen, was named best intematinal solo artist, and Huey Lewis and The News won the best international group award. Dire Straits were the best British group, and Tears for Fears picked up the award for the best British single — “Everybody Wants to Rule the World.”

The new pop duo, Go West, won the Radio One

award as best British new- i comers. The award for the best British classical L.P. went to Nigel Kennedy for Elgar’s Violin Concerto on the E.M.I. Eminence label. The awards are put up by the British Phonographic Industry. Bob Geldof won a surprise award ■ for his Live Aid charity work. But the Conservative Party chairman, Mr Norman Tebbit, who made presentations at the ceremony, refused to say if the Government would also honour Geldof. The Irish-born singer was not in the New Year Honour’s List. Mr Tebbit said it was “slightly difficult” to honour non-Brit-ish subjects. Mr .Tebbit praised Geldof’s "remarkable”, achievement in persuad- ! . ing people to give money to Live Aid’s Ethiopian ' appeal.

He presented two special awards for outstanding achievements to British music, to Wham! and Elton John. .<■ Elton John won the award for his tour of Russia, and Wham J’s Andy Ridgeley and George Michael for their tour of China.