David Gilmour, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Mika, The Last Dinner Party, The Corrs, Chase & Status and more honoured at glittering evening ceremony at JW Marriott Grosvenor House.
London, Wednesday 02 July 2025 – The UK music industry joined together tonight to honour some of its most iconic and exciting talent at the 49th annual O2 Silver Clef Awards, raising £715,000 and counting for Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity.
Headlining the 2025 honours was David Gilmour, presented with the prestigious O2 Silver Clef Award by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, recognising a career that has shaped generations of music lovers.
During his speech, Gilmour praised “the wonderful Nordoff and Robbins music therapy charity,” adding: “My relationship with them goes back 50 years – thank you to them for this award and for the miraculous work they do, and have done since then.”
The star-studded ceremony, hosted by Edith Bowman and held at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, brought together artists, industry leaders and celebrity supporters for an unforgettable evening of celebration, fundraising and reflection on the transformative power of music. It marked the first time in the event’s history that the awards were held as an evening gala.
Including David Gilmour, twelve artists were recognised for their contributions to music across a wide range of genres:
- Sophie Ellis-Bextor was named Best Female, presented by Cathy Dennis, following a standout era that saw the viral resurgence of Murder on the Dancefloor and the announcement of her eighth studio album this year.
- Noah Kahan received Best Male, presented by Frank Lampard, honouring his meteoric rise and ability to connect deeply with fans around the world.
- Mika was awarded the Global Impact Award, presented by Natalie Imbruglia, celebrating his multilingual artistry, global touring success and advocacy for inclusion.
“Thank you to Nordoff and Robbins for making music a kinder place.”
- The Corrs were honoured with the Legend Award, presented by Trevor Horn, recognising their enduring influence on pop-rock and Celtic music.
- Tony Christie received the Icon Award, presented by Graham Gouldman, celebrating a storied career spanning over six decades.
- Rick Astley was presented with the Outstanding Achievement in Music Award by Alistair Norbury (BMG), acknowledging both his 1980s legacy and contemporary reinvention as a beloved performer.
“Everyone needs a bit of help at some point – if you see the work Nordoff and Robbins do, you feel extremely humbled. This is truly important. You realise what music can do – it’s given me a life I am unbelievably grateful for”
- Chase & Status won Best Group, presented by Andy C, in recognition of their boundary-pushing productions and continued influence on UK electronic music.
- The Last Dinner Party took home Best New Music, presented by Edith Bowman, after a breakout 18 months culminating in a chart-topping debut album and major award wins.
- AURORA was awarded the Contemporary Music Award, presented by Paris Paloma, celebrating her unique sonic identity and lyrical fearlessness.
- Soul II Soul received the Innovation in Music Award, presented by Trevor Nelson, marking their impact on British soul, R&B and club culture.
- IDLES were named Best Live Act, with Steve Lamacq presenting the award in recognition of the band’s ferocious and cathartic stage shows.”If my mum was here alive during the time of the therapy centres, her life would be infinitely better.”
“This event is a beautiful celebration of what music can do” said Sandra Schembri, CEO of Nordoff and Robbins. “Tonight, we honour incredible artists – but every day, our music therapists witness music’s power to transform lives. Whether it’s helping a young person with complex needs find a sense of self, or bringing comfort to someone in their final days, music can reach where words fail. Without the much-needed funds raised from the O2 Silver Clef Awards, we simply wouldn’t be able to reach the thousands of people across the UK who need our services. Every penny raised counts and its impact for us as a charity and those we support cannot be understated.”
Since 1976, the O2 Silver Clef Awards have raised over £17 million for Nordoff and Robbins’ life-changing music therapy work. Funds raised tonight will directly support children and adults across the UK who are autistic, living with dementia, or have learning difficulties, brain injuries, mental health challenges or life-limiting illnesses – helping them to connect and communicate through music.
For Rhiannon and her three-year-old daughter Poppy who lives with Rett Syndrome, music therapy has allowed them to connect in ways they previously didn’t think would be possible.
Speaking to the audience at the O2 Silver Clef Awards, Rhiannon said: “It’s more than just therapy. Poppy has found a place, just for her, in a world where so few of them exist. A place where she is understood, where she can engage and communicate with everyone around her. Most importantly we’ve found hope and pure joy. Every child deserves a bright future, and Poppy’s is brighter because of music therapy.”
Thanks to the continued support of O2, returning as headline sponsor for the 24th year, and sponsors including Live Nation, AEG Presents, PPL, Uber Eats Music Hall, Oak View Group, Legends/ASM Global, Ticketmaster, Tysers Live, OVO, American Express and Raymond Weil, who this year mark 25 years of sponsorship, the night raised vital funds to help the charity tackle a landscape of increasing costs, decreasing donations and growing demand head on.
“O2 is a great believer in the power of music, and the work done by Nordoff and Robbins day-in, day-out, is a real testament to that. We could not be prouder to be a part of the O2 Silver Clef Awards, and to help raise funds for the charity’s vital and life-changing work. As well as celebrating some incredible musicians – like O2 Silver Clef Award winner David Gilmour, an artist who has shaped the sound of music across generations – the event allows us to take a moment to recognise the stars at Nordoff and Robbins who are making such a difference in the lives of those in need. The fundraising does not stop tonight, and O2 looks forward to working with the charity for what will be our 25th year of partnership in 2026.”
– Gareth Griffiths, Director, Partnerships and Sponsorship, Virgin Media O2
Details of a special 50th anniversary edition of the O2 Silver Clef Awards, taking place on Thursday 9 July 2026, will be announced by Nordoff and Robbins in the coming months.
