So that was the Q Awards.
Or, at least, that’ll be the case if you’re flicking through the current issue of Q. For, yes, once again we have devoted a great deal of space to celebrating our own event, and I can already hear the gnashing of teeth in some quarters.
It’s always a tricky one, this. I have oft been told by readers and subscribers alike that the Q Awards is of little interest to them, and how they’d really rather appreciate never having to read about it again. Fair enough. Yet the Q Awards issue has traditionally (and with wood touched and ladders studiously avoided) sold very well. Not only that, but those who bother about such things tell me that we acquired about £1.6million worth of PR coverage in print alone (ie, via the nation’s newspapers) for this year’s event. So, someone, somewhere is interested in it, just not seemingly all of you.
How best to deal with this conundrum then? And, yes, we do actually spend time thinking about such things. The solution this year is thus: to not acknowledge, and frankly wallow in, an event that we stage which attracts the biggest names in music every year would be idiotic. But we could – and hopefully you will concur that we have – add an extra degree of depth to the whole affair, and indeed change the scenery every now and again.
Hence, in the new issue, you will find extended pieces on Paul McCartney, Kate Nash and Kylie, Q Awards 2007 winners one and all, but the interviews themselves take place away from the environs of our annual shebang. Hence, should you wish, you can read, and perchance enjoy them without actually having to know or care about whichever Q trinket they picked up on 8 October. Likewise, many of the interviews conducted at the Q Awards themselves have more ballast to them this year, rather than being but a cursory rabbit about the food on offer accompanied by a nice picture.
Not that there’s no nice pictures. Far from it. Our trusty Very Nice Danish Photographer excelled himself this year, I think, and the Q Awards and its guests look grandly intimate, if that makes sense. There’s also that Kylie cover picture. You may have seen it in one or other of the nation’s tabloids by now. It doesn’t get any less striking the more you look at it. And, by God, we have studied it. Purely for professional reasons, of course.
As for my own recollections of the Q Awards themselves, they’re a trifle blurry (something to do with a vat of rum cocktail). But being in the same room as the aforementioned quartet, Arctic Monkeys, Ian Brown, Johnny Marr, Sigur Ros and many, many more, and being one of the hosts, remains something of a thrill. And being able to honour them – and especially, via a special, and wholly moving award the late, great Tony Wilson – is not something I ever intend to apologise for during my tenure at Q.
Do let me know what you think of the Q Awards coverage in the issue, though. It won’t be going away, but all suggestions as to how it might be improved upon will be gratefully accepted and considered.
On a final and equally trumpet-blowing note, The Q Music Club Live At The Hospital served up a further special night last month when Scouse greats Shack played a special acoustic show under our banner. So often criminally overlooked, the Head brothers delivered a set filled with all the wonder and magic of music played by those of great talent.
We have ADELE (16 November) and Richard Hawley (19 December) coming up next at The Hospital. The gigs are unique, and also – and this may be the best part – free. If you haven’t already, please do come and join us.
PAUL REES – Editor, Q
3:01 PM | 31/10/2007
Latest News
-
Q's Week that was... Gaz Coombes, sports star who can sing, Great Escape, Donna Summer RIP, T In The Park, Zulu Winter, Niki & Dove & more
Here's what we've been up to this week...
-
Column - How Donna Summer helped change dance music forever
Following her death yesterday (17 May), Paul McGee looks at the Queen Of Disco's creative legacy
-
Donna Summer RIP, Black Sabbath respond to drummer quitting, Van Halen 'hate each other', Adele wins Ivor Novello award, Charlatans vs Wu-Tang... Daily Hot List
A round-up of all the news, views, interviews and cool music things online today (18 May)
-
Guest Column - The death of the guitar band... By Will Daunt from 'guitar' band Zulu Winter
Having released a debut album this week, the singer ponders his band's - and his instrument's - future
-
Playlist - Niki And The Dove's favourite films feat. The Fog, Lost Highway, Husband & Wives, Cobra & more
There's no Niki, no dove and this Playlist has got no songs, curious...
-
Donna Summer dies aged 63
Disco singer passes away while working on new album
Advertisement
User Comments
Post A Comment
Dear Paul - Glad to hear you enjoyed the Shack performance - by all accounts it was one of their best of recent times - the time machine tour has reignited the band perhaps due to the input of their bassist Martin - I hear they are now back in the studio to capture their new found togetherness - looking forward to a decent report in your fine magazine - maybe a double page spread - pop into shacknet.co.uk if you need some pointers
X
Jonny Red Eye
Posted by jonny red eye at 1:17 PM | 07/11/2007 | Report Abuse
Dear Paul - Glad to hear you enjoyed the Shack performance - by all accounts it was one of their best of recent times - the time machine tour has reignited the band perhaps due to the input of their bassist Martin - I hear they are now back in the studio to capture their new found togetherness - looking forward to a decent report in your fine magazine - maybe a double page spread - pop into shacknet.co.uk if you need some pointers
X
Jonny Red Eye
Posted by jonny red eye at 1:18 PM | 07/11/2007 | Report Abuse
Post A Comment