McCARTNEY ROASTS SPRINGSTEEN AT IVOR NOVELLOS

Bruce Springsteen, RAYE and Lana Del Rey were among the big winners at last night’s Ivor Novello Awards in London, which celebrate the best work by songwriters and composers.

Springsteen was the first international songwriter to be honored with an Ivors Academy fellowship, as presented to him by Sir Paul McCartney.

In his wry speech about Springsteen, McCartney said, “I couldn’t think of a more fitting recipient. Except maybe Bob Dylan. Or Paul Simon. Or Billy Joel, or Beyoncé or Taylor Swift.” Continuing to gently roast the Boss, McCartney added, “He’s known as the American working man, but he admits he’s never worked a day in his life.”

RAYE took home Songwriter of the Year. Universal Music Publishing Group Chair/CEO Jody Gerson presented the Special International Award to Del Rey, who has tallied six U.K. #1 albums.

Best Album went to Black Classical Music (Brownswood/Warner Music U.K.), released by Yussef Dayes, Rocco Palladino and Charlie Stacey. Best Contemporary Song was “Geronimo Blues” by Kwake Bass, Peter Bennie, Biscuit and Raven Bush of Speakers Corner Quartet, alongside Kae Tempest.

After winning 2023’s Rising Star Award, Victoria Canal took home Best Song Musically and Lyrically for “Black Swan” alongside writers Jonny Lattimer and UMPG's Eg White. The PRS for Music Most Performed Work award went to “Sprinter” by Dave, Central Cee, Jo Caleb and Jonny Leslie, and UMPG's Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab won Best Original Video Game Score for Star Wars: Jedi Survivor.

Other winners included Master Peace for Rising Star and Elton John lyricist Bernie Taupin for his Outstanding Contribution to British Music. Sony Music Publishing's Skepta received the Visionary Award and KT Tunstall took home Outstanding Song Collection honors for her 20-year career. Prior to Tunstall, previous winners of the same award included U2, New Order, Pulp, Noel Gallagher and Steve Winwood.