At the Ivor Novello Awards ceremony earlier today in London, Glenn Tilbrook and Chris Difford were awarded the prestigious “Outstanding Contribution to British Music” Award. The Award was presented to Chris & Glenn by one of the most in demand producers in the world today Mark Ronson.
With the perfect combination of Chris Difford's lyrics and Glenn Tilbrook's melodies Squeeze created some of the most memorable and most loved songs of any generation of songwriters, with their indecently adept ability for narrating a good domestic yarn over a suitably pithy couplet - their carefully crafted inventive songs are utterly timeless. They scored Top Ten hits around the world with – “Cool For Cats,” “Up The Junction,” “Slap & Tickle,” “Pulling Mussels (From A Shell),” “Another Nail In My Heart,” “Tempted,” “Labelled With Love” and “Black Coffee In Bed.”
It should come as no surprise then, that many of today’s young bands, ranging from The View to Razorlight to Lily Allen to The Feeling and Kasabian have all cited them as a major influence.
This is Difford’s second Ivor Novello Award, he previously won the “British Songwriter” Award in 1998, after scripting the lyrics for the film “Still Crazy.” Earlier this year he released his highly acclaimed album, “The Last Temptation Of Chris.” Glenn Tilbrook releases his third solo album, with his band the Fluffers, in September.
The Ivor Novello Awards are presented annually by the British Academy of composers and songwriters and bestowed on those musicians who are judged to have contributed especially to the world of music.
The 53rd Ivor Novello Awards for British songwriters, composers and music took place at Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London W1 on Thursday May 22nd.
The Ivor Novello Winners 2008:
Best Song Musically And Lyrically - Amy Winehouse 'Love Is A Losing Game'
Best Contemporary Song - Cherry Ghost 'People Help The People'
Best Original Film Score - Dario Marianelli 'Atonement'
Best Television Soundtrack - Martin Phipps 'Oliver Twist'
PRS Most Performed Work - Take That 'Shine'
Best Selling British Song - Shakira And Beyonce 'Beautiful Liar'
Album Award - Radiohead 'In Rainbows'
Inspiration Award - Jazzie B (Soul II Soul)
Classical Award - Jonathan Dove
Songwriter Of The Year - Mika
Outstanding Song Collection - Gabrielle
PRS Outstanding Contribution To British Music - Squeeze
International Achievement - Phil Collins
Special International Award - Diane Warren
Lifetime Achievement Award - David Gilmour (Pink Floyd)
