Kasabian named best act

KASABIAN WERE two-time winners at the Q Awards where they were hailed as the “best act in the world”.

The ceremony also recognised the efforts of i ndependent record l abel, XL Recordings, which helped steer Adele to worldwide fame.

Its boss, Richard Russell, picked up the award for outstanding contribution to music at the event at the Grosvenor House hotel in central London.

The label also counts albums by the Prodigy, the White Stripes and Dizzee Rascal among its output.

Other winners included Ed Sheeran, who was named best solo artist, and Sam Smith, who won the best new act award.

Kasabian also carried off the award for best live act, beating this year’s comeback queen Kate Bush in both categories.

Paolo Nutini won the gong for best track for Iron Sky from his Caustic Love album while Elbow’s the Take Off and Landing of Everything was named best album.

The band lost out in the best video category to Jamie xx, however.

The event, formally known as the Xperia Access Q Awards and hosted by Absolute Radio’s Christian O’Connell, also included wins for former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr , the Charlatans and XTC songwriter Andy Partridge.

Q’s senior editor Matt Mason said the winners reflected the “breadth and quality of modern music”.

He said: “From

the

soul

voices

of Paolo Nutini and Sam Smith, through the artistry and invention of Elbow and Jamie xx, to the feel-good rock ’ n’ roll power of Kasabian and Ed Sheeran’s ability to seduce the world with a guitar and some irresistible hooks, it’s been a thrilling 12 months in music.”

Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason picked up the classic album award for the band’s record the Dark Side of the Moon from Billy Corgan of the Smashing Pumpkins, while the Manic Street Preachers handed over the inspiration award to Simple Minds.

full list of winners at Q awards Best new act — Sam Everything by Elbow Gibson Les Paul award Smith Best video — Sleep — Johnny Marr Maverick — St Vincent Sound by Jamie xx Classic album — Dark Best track — Iron Sky Best live act — Side of the Moon by Pink by Paolo Nutini Kasabian Floyd Best solo artist — Ed Hero — The Charlatans Innovation in sound — Sheeran Outstanding Jean Michel Jarre

Songwriter — Andy contribution to music — Icon — Wilko Johnson Partridge XL Recordings Idol — Culture Club

Best album — The Inspiration — Simple Best act in the world — Take Off and Landing of Minds Kasabian

Picture: PA.