The 49th annual O2 Silver Clef Awards has so far raised £715,000 for Nordoff And Robbins, the UK’s largest music therapy charity.
David Gilmour was presented with the prestigious O2 Silver Clef Award by Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood.
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 ceremony, hosted by Edith Bowman, was held at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London. It marked the first time in the event’s history that the awards were held as an evening gala.
Including David Gilmour, 12 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 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 rise as a global act.
– Mika was awarded the Global Impact Award, presented by Natalie Imbruglia.
– The Corrs were honoured with the Legend Award, presented by Trevor Horn.
– Tony Christie received the Icon Award, presented by Graham Gouldman, celebrating a career spanning over six decades.
– Rick Astley was presented with the Outstanding Achievement in Music Award by BMG UK boss Alistair Norbury, acknowledging both his 1980s legacy and contemporary reinvention.
“Everyone needs a bit of help at some point – if you see the work Nordoff And Robbins do, you feel extremely humbled,” said Astley. “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 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.
“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 more than £17 million for Nordoff And Robbins’ music therapy work. Funds raised at the ceremony 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.
O2 returned as headline sponsor for the 24th year, and sponsors included 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 marked 25 years of sponsorship.
“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,” said Gareth Griffiths, director, partnerships and sponsorship, Virgin Media O2. “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.”
Details of a special 50th anniversary edition of the O2 Silver Clef Awards, taking place on Thursday, July 9, 2026, will be announced in the coming months.
FULL LIST OF O2 SILVER CLEF AWARD 2025 RECIPIENTS:
David Gilmour – O2 Silver Clef Award
Rick Astley – Outstanding Achievement in Music, sponsored by Tysers Live
Idles – Best Live Act, sponsored by Uber Eats Music Hall
Soul II Soul – Innovation in Music Award, sponsored by Oak View Group
Noah Kahan – Best Male, sponsored by AEG Presents
Chase & Status – Best Group, sponsored by Legends/ASM Global
Tony Christie – Icon, sponsored by American Express
The Corrs – Legend, sponsored by OVO
Sophie Ellis-Bextor – Best Female, sponsored by Live Nation
Mika – Global Impact, sponsored by Raymond Weil
The Last Dinner Party – Best New Music, sponsored by Ticketmaster
Aurora – Contemporary Music, sponsored by PPL
