O2 Silver Clef Awards raises £760k for charity

The 2024 edition of the O2 Silver Clef Awards has so far raised £760,000 and counting for Nordoff and Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity.

The 48th instalment of the event took place last Friday (5 July) at the Grosvenor House Hotel on London’s Park Lane, presented by Scottish radio DJ and television presenter Edith Bowman.

The likes of Blur, AC/DC, Chaka Khan, Mark Knopfler, Jessie Ware, Loyle Carner, Texas, The 1975, Ezra Collective, Jacob Collier, Cat Burns and Young Fathers were among the award winners.

Blur were honoured with the flagship O2 Silver Clef Award, AC/DC won the Legend Award, Chaka Khan walked away with the Global Impact Award and Mark Knopfler received the Music Icon Award.

Jessie Ware won Best Female, Loyle Carner took home the Best Male Award, The 1975 were crowned Best Group and Texas received the Outstanding Achievement Award.

In addition, Jacob Collier picked up the Innovation in Music Award, Cat Burns received the Best New Music Award, Ezra Collective won the Contemporary Music Award and Young Fathers received Best Live Act.

Guest award presenters included Mica Paris, Clara Amfo, Jamie Cullum, Chris Evans, Annie Mac, Athian Akec and SJM Concerts’ Simon Moran.

Money raised from the O2 Silver Clef Awards will support Nordoff and Robbins’ trained music therapists in reaching those living with autism, dementia, learning difficulties, brain injuries, life-limiting illnesses, mental health challenges, grief and trauma; helping them to connect and communicate through music.

“Music really does heal”

Earlier this year, CAA’s Emma Banks was appointed chair of Nordoff and Robbins, with AEG Presents’ Lucy Noble supporting her as vice chair.

Banks told IQ: “It felt great on Friday to be in the room for the 02 Silver Clef Awards – we had changed the format a little and I think it landed well. Importantly we ended the day at about £760,000 and should be able to improve a bit by the time we close the books. I loved the passion that our award honourees brought to the event – such great, heartfelt speeches from people who totally understand our important mission and are so willing to help us.”

Gareth Griffiths, director, O2, adds: “We are incredibly proud of the money raised at this year’s O2 Silver Clef Awards. What a day celebrating the outstanding achievements of all the talented artists recognised this year. A special congratulations to blur for receiving the well-deserved O2 Silver Clef Award. Their contributions to the music industry have been nothing short of extraordinary, and we are honoured to be part of this momentous occasion. At O2, we are committed to supporting the music industry and look forward to continuing our partnership with Nordoff and Robbins to support more people through their incredible music therapy efforts across the nation.”

Alex James, Blur, says: “Making music with my brothers in blur has been one of the great gifts of my life. We are absolutely chuffed to receive the O2 Silver Clef Award and help raise awareness for Nordoff and Robbins, a brilliant organisation.”

Brian Johnson, AC/DC, adds: “We’re over the moon to receive the Amazon Music Legend Award. As a band, we’ve been dishing out our own brand of music therapy for the past five decades, so to hear all about how Nordoff and Robbins helps the young and the old with the power of music is something that we understand and salute. Thank you for this honour.”

Chaka Khan, comments: “Music has always been my solace, my strength, my voice, a gift. I’m grateful for this beautiful honour to be part of the Nordoff and Robbins creative community, where the power of music is used to transform, inspire, and bring love to the world. Music really does heal.”

Since 1976, the Silver Clef Awards have raised over £13.5 million for Nordoff and Robbins’ music therapy services and honoured some of the world’s biggest artists.

Stormzy, David Bowie, Ed Sheeran, Roger Waters, Paul McCartney, George Michael, Annie Lennox, Dame Shirley Bassey, Kylie Minogue, The Rolling Stones, Oasis and Coldplay are among previous award winners.

Next year’s edition of the O2 Silver Clef Awards will take place on a Wednesday (2 July 2025) for the first time.

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