Let’s try to revive the Music part of this message board.

Was anybody at the Elton John Brits Icon Awards last night? I was. It was an interesting evening, but I did feel I was attending a TV recording as opposed to an awards show. On saying that, it was good, and, subject to editing, should make a good TV programme at a time when we are crying out for more mainstream prime-time Music television. Elton is interviewed by Dermot O’Leary, who is fast becoming the “safe pair of hands” for these occasions. Basically he went through Elton’s musical history with live songs throughout the show, leading up to songs from his new album, (which, I guess is the catalyst for why Elton was available to receive the award). The show concluded with Rod Stewart presenting Elton with his Icon Award, and singing together. A highlight was the banter between the two of them. The venue was peppered with a number of stars including Gary Barlow, James Blunt, Lulu etc.

I’m not sure how we follow this each year, as I’d suggest we’ll soon run out of “British icons”. My concern is the first names that come to mind, (Paul McCartney, Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams) are all currently Universal Music artists. But, perhaps I’m not casting my net wide enough when thinking who qualifies as an icon - who might be just about to release a new album!

Cat Stevens?

I'd suggest Jonathan King - an icon is so many different ways - but wouldn't dream of suggesting myself seriously. I got far too much satisfaction and pleasure from achieving my successes to want any kind of acclamation for doing it; the joy from my life was far more reward than I would ever hope to get in any other world. I found my "Man of the Year" award embarrassing. Hey; doing it was the ultimate joy.

On a more serious note; for me the three most UNDER rated music talents of my era are Peter Gabriel, Brian Ferry and Elvis Costello, none of whom are as highly rated by history as I regard them.

JK2006 wrote:
On a more serious note; for me the three most UNDER rated music talents of my era are Peter Gabriel, Brian Ferry and Elvis Costello, none of whom are as highly rated by history as I regard them.

I agree with all three of these, especially Bryan Ferry. I can't believe he, nor Roxy Music, (who reform from time to time) have ever been given a Brit Award or given any other recognition.

Many years ago, I did lobby Paul Conroy, when he was chairman of the Brits committee, to consider the Brits Lifetime Achievement award should be given to Roxy Music. Instread, it was awarded to The Spice Girls that year!

dixie wrote:
[quote]JK2006 wrote:
Many years ago, I did lobby Paul Conroy ...

May as well have badgered somebody in the street

I don't mean this cheekily, but it would help revitalise this message board if the anti-spamming software didn't demand you try twice to actually get in and then your messages were displayed instantly rather than sometimes hours later. That just isn't conducive to lively discussions. I know it's more of a chore to monitor but the liveliest forums are 'live' and driven by quick exchanges.

Sadly Spam is such a problem it needs filtering out; and the few trolls and brain dead morons have to be plucked out and tossed onto a passing fire. My fear is that the music industry has so few remaining in it who care, and have a hunger for spreading the word about great music, that there's not a lot we can do to revive any forums about it. Velvet Rope has died too.

Sorry to be late to this thread but I haven't been by the Tipsheet in a while.

I was at this shindig and it was good. The question is who is next. You don't want a repeat of the Spice

Girls "Lifetime achievement" award scenario, which I thought was absurd (And I like them).

I can tell you that all of my colleagues in the Producers Guild care greatly about spreading the word on great music. Trouble is we're locked away in studio most of the time attempting to make it.

Long may the Tipsheet live.

Hope your well JK