2006

It was widely agreed that the Arctic Monkey's first album, the astonishingly powerful 'Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not', was a very deserving winner in 2006, and their victory and acceptance speech at the show were both warmly received. The winning album of course was just one of twelve distinct records on a typically varied shortlist. Glasgow's Isobel Campbell was honoured for her collaborative effort with Mark Lanegan and ex-Lamb singer Lou Rhodes surprised everyone with her first solo album, an entirely acoustic release. At the other end of the musical spectrum were rock titans Muse, who flew in especially to attend the final ceremony, where they were honoured for their epic album, Black Holes and Revelations.
The 2006 Awards show started in grand style courtesy of Editors, who formed part of an eclectic line-up that included acclaimed pianist Zoe Rahman, Sheffield singer-songwriter Richard Hawley, one of the freshest voices in UK hip-hop Sway, the hugely entertaining Guillemots and electronica newcomers Hot Chip. Other highlights of the show included Scritti Politti, performing live on tv for the first time in over 25 years, and Thom Yorke, with a dazzling, exclusive piano-based version of 'Analyse'.