PAUL Weller and Led Zeppelin were the big winners on the MOJO Honours List last night in London, with Weller receiving an outstanding contribution award for his long career.
Weller – known as "The Modfather" for his influence on younger artists – received the Outstanding Contribution to Music, while Led Zeppelin were honoured with the Best Live Act award following their incredible comeback performance at London’s O2 arena last year. Other artists honoured at the ceremony, which is hosted by influential British music magazine MOJO, included the Sex Pistols who were handed the MOJO Icon prize and Neil Diamond, who won the Classic Songwriter accolade. The awards – hosted by MOJO editor Phil Alexander – also recognised newcomers Duffy, who received MOJO Song of the Year for ‘Mercy’, and the Last Shadow Puppets - the side-project of Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner – who received the gong for Breakthrough Act. Keeping with the spirit of his Maverick award, The Fall’s Mark E. Smith refused to pose for pictures to celebrate his success after learning he would have to share stage space with The Cribs, who had presented him with the prize. The Specials were honoured with a place in the MOJO Hall of Fame, joining the likes of Sir Elton John and The Doors. MOJO Honours List 2008 full list of winners: Breakthrough act – The Last Shadow Puppets Song of the Year - Duffy, Mercy Roots award – Toots Hibbert Les Paul award – John Martyn Vision award – Joe Strummer: The Future Is Unwritten Catalogue Release of the Year – Pillows and Prayers, Cherry Red Records 1981-1984 MOJO Medal – Dave Robinson Compilation of the Year – Juno Official Soundtrack MOJO Legend – Irma Thomas Classic Album award – My Bloody Valentine, Loveless Special award – Judy Collins MOJO Maverick – The Fall MOJO Hall of Fame – The Specials MOJO Hero – Motorhead Inspiration award – John Fogarty Best Live Act – Led Zeppelin Best Album – Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Dig!!! Lazarus Dig!!! Outstanding Contribution to Music – Paul Weller Lifetime Achievement award – Genesis Classic Songwriter – Neil Diamond MOJO Icon – the Sex Pistols
