BRITAIN: Irish rock stars of old and slightly less old were among those nominated yesterday for the 2005 Brit Awards, which are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year as the UK music industry's Oscars.
Scottish rockers Franz Ferdinand led the way with five nominations, one ahead of Muse, with four.
Ireland is represented in the nominations by U2 and Bob Geldof, who will receive this year's lifetime achievement award in recognition of Live Aid and his fund-raising for Africa.
But the music industry's big night on February 9th could still be dominated by two of the hottest new American bands of the past year - flamboyant disco rockers Scissor Sisters and Maroon 5, who garnered three nominations apiece.
The international nominations feature a clash of the generations - Beach Boys' veteran Brian Wilson against rapper Eminem in the male solo artist category.
UK album sales rose by 2.3 per cent in 2004 as Scissor Sisters, who made it big after signing with a UK label, came with a late surge to finish as Britain's overall number one for the year.
In a fast-changing industry transformed by new technology, U2's Vertigo was the top-selling UK download, boosted by a high-profile partnership with Apple Computers' iTunes. U2 will be performing live at the awards.
The Brits have raised more than £6 milion over the past 25 years for UK musical charities. This year the organisers have agreed to donate £500,000 to the Save the Children Fund charity to help youngsters affected by the Asian tsunami.