BRITS LEADING THE WAY FOR LIVE MUSIC RETURN
The music industry has been hit hard by the pandemic and the Brit Awards will give it a much needed boost, says RICHARD JONES
THE arts and entertainment sector has been one of the industries hardest hit by the pandemic. However, there is hopefully light at the end of the tunnel, and this week’s Brit Awards will appropriately play an important role in paving the way for the return of live music.
The ceremony was postponed to May from its regular February date and forms part of the UK Government’s pilot scheme, examining how much-missed events can take place without social distancing.
A total of 4,000 people will be in attendance at The O2 in London, with 2,500 tickets for key workers, who have been crucial during the Covid-19 pandemic.
For the fourth year running, Jack Whitehall is hosting the show. He says: “I must be doing something right to be invited back to host the Brits. After the events of the past year, I think we can all do with a big night of music and entertainment, and I’m excited to be part of the show.”
British singer-songwriter Rag’n’Bone Man and US superstar P!nk released their single Anywhere Away From Here last month, and the pair will perform the track at the awards. Backed by the Lewisham and Greenwhich NHS Trust choir, the performance will include a remote appearance from P!nk.
Also on the bill are superstar New Rules singer Dua Lipa, newcomer Arlo Parks, Drivers License songstress Olivia Rodrigo and rapper Headie
One. There will also be a performance by the winner of the Rising Star Award, previously known as the
Critics’ Choice, singersongwriter Griff.
Speaking about her win ahead of fellow artists Pa Salieu and Rina Sawayama, Griff said: “In my head I’m still screaming from the phone call when I found out. It’s honestly such a miracle: how on earth did we manage to win a Brit and break through during a pandemic?”
Celeste and Dua Lipa are among the main nominees at this year’s Brits. Both have three nods, as have Arlo Parks, dance producer Joel Corry and grime duo Young T & Bugsey.
A year after the Brits were criticised for a lack of female nominees, an unprecedented four women are up for the prestigious Best Album prize.
Dua Lipa’s pop odyssey Future Nostalgia, which won Best Pop Album at the Grammys, is up against Jessie Ware’s What’s
Your Pleasure? and J Hus’s Big Conspiracy.
The debut releases by Arlo Parks and Celeste round out the nominees.
While Arlo Parks, Celeste, Dua Lipa, Jessie Ware and Lianne La Havas battle it out for the Best British female gong, the Best British male is between AJ Tracey, Headie One, J Hus, Joel Corry and Yungblud.
Finally this year’s Best British group will be either Bicep, Biffy Clyro, Little Mix, The 1975 or Young T & Bugsey.
Award ceremonies understandably haven’t been the same during the pandemic, despite the innovative ideas of the shows’ organisers. Take April’s Oscars for example, which were held in a LA railway station and, without a live audience, proved to be a bit of a train wreck.
However, with things getting back to some sort of normality, the Brit Awards 2021 should be a fabulous night – and a celebration of the music industry which is in desperate need of a boost.
The Brit Awards 2021 are on ITV, Tuesday at 8pm