U2 scoop three Hot Press Awards

Irish rock superstars, U2 and pop supergroup, The Corrs, led the roll-call of winners at the Hot Press Irish Music Awards, held in Belfast on Thursday April 25.

U2 picked up the awards for 'Best Live Gig By An Irish Artist' for their Slane concert and 'Best Band', whilst lead singer, Bono, picked up the award for 'Best Male Singer' at the ceremony which was held at the BBC Northern Ireland Blackstaff Studios.

Meanwhile, The Corrs also picked up three awards, with the band's manager, John Hughes picking up the Industry Award, while Caroline Corr was named as 'Best Musician'. The band also beat pop rivals, Westlife, to win 'Best Pop Act'.

However, the boy-band idols received some compensation in the form of the 'Outstanding Contribution To Pop Music' award. The lads, who were playing a concert in Newcastle and were unable to attend the ceremony, recorded a special version of their 'World Of Their Own' hit, which will be screened on BBC1 on Friday April 26.

The awards, which were hosted by Northern Ireland funnyman, Patrick Kielty were opened by Ash, who performed their hit single, 'Burn Baby Burn', for which they won the 'Best Single' accolade, triumphing over U2.

The Downpatrick rockers also beat U2 to win the 'Best Album' award for their 'Free All Angels' opus, whilst Bono also suffered defeat in the 'Best Songwriter' category, losing out to the Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon.

Brit-pop legends, Suede, were also in Belfast last night to perform at the Awards, as were a few members of Radiohead, who won 'Best International Act Gig' for their Odyssey Arena show.

Other winners on the evening were: up-and-coming young singer, Gemma Hayes ('Best Female Singer'), The Revs ('Best Newcomer'), Cara Dillon ('Roots Award'), David Kitt ('Emerging Songwriter') and Belfast DJ legend, David Holmes ('Special Contribution To Music Culture').

(KMcA)