Graham Gouldman Interview

Graham Gouldman of 10cc sat down with Music-News.com Group Editor Marco Gandolfi at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London on 2nd July 2025, ahead of presenting Tony Christie with the Icon Award at the Nordoff and Robbins O2 Silver Clef Awards.

The UK music community came together this evening to celebrate some of its most legendary and inspiring names at the 49th annual O2 Silver Clef Awards, raising £715,000 so far for Nordoff and Robbins, the country’s leading music therapy charity.

Topping the list of 2025 honourees was David Gilmour, who received the prestigious O2 Silver Clef Award from Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, in recognition of a career that has touched and influenced generations of music fans.

In his speech, Gilmour spoke warmly of “the wonderful Nordoff and Robbins music therapy charity,” saying, “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.”

Hosted by Edith Bowman and staged at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, the star-studded evening brought together musicians, key industry figures, and celebrity supporters for a night of celebration, fundraising, and reflection on how music can transform lives. It also marked the first time the awards had been held as a gala in the evening.

Alongside David Gilmour, twelve artists were recognised for their impact on music across a variety of styles.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor was named Best Female, with the award presented by Cathy Dennis, following a year in which Murder on the Dancefloor went viral once again and news broke of her upcoming eighth studio album.

Noah Kahan was presented with Best Male by Frank Lampard, acknowledging his rapid rise to fame and his gift for building strong emotional connections with fans worldwide.

Mika accepted the Global Impact Award from Natalie Imbruglia, in recognition of his multilingual music, success on the global touring stage, and his advocacy for inclusivity.

“Thank you to Nordoff and Robbins for making music a kinder place,” Mika said.

The Corrs received the Legend Award from Trevor Horn, honouring their lasting influence on pop-rock and Celtic-inspired music.

Tony Christie accepted the Icon Award from Graham Gouldman, honouring an extraordinary career that has spanned more than sixty years.

Rick Astley received the Outstanding Achievement in Music Award from Alistair Norbury of BMG, acknowledging not only his enduring 1980s hits but also his reinvention in recent years as a much-loved live performer.

“Everyone needs a bit of help at some point – if you see the work Nordoff and Robbins do, you feel extremely humbled. This is truly important. You realise what music can do – it’s given me a life I am unbelievably grateful for,” Astley shared.

Chase & Status earned the title of Best Group, with Andy C presenting the award in recognition of their innovative production style and their continued influence on the UK’s electronic music scene.

The Last Dinner Party picked up the Best New Music award from Edith Bowman, celebrating an impressive eighteen months that led to a number one debut album and a string of major accolades.

AURORA was honoured with the Contemporary Music Award, presented by Paris Paloma, for her distinctive sound and her fearless, poetic approach to songwriting.

Soul II Soul took home the Innovation in Music Award from Trevor Nelson, acknowledging their groundbreaking role in shaping British soul, R&B, and club culture.

IDLES were awarded Best Live Act, with Steve Lamacq presenting the prize in recognition of their intense, emotionally charged performances on stage.