TIME was when the British music industry awards were almost as unhip as the Eurovision song contest, but all has changed due to the advent of a musical movement known as "Britpop".
Chronologically enhanced readers will be glad to hear that "Britpop" is a return to the days when Britain's music ruled the airwaves.
In 1966 it was all about The Beatles, The Stones, The Kinks, and The Who - in 1996 the Brit bands conquering the world are Oasis, Blur, Pulp and Supergrass.
Hundreds of hormonal teenagers and industry suits mixed with the wannabes, the has beens and never will be's at the cavernous Earls Court Exhibition centre in London for The Brit Awards ceremony last night.
Temperatures ran high with dual news that teen band Take That would be making one of their last ever performances and the slightly odd Michael Jackson would be singing live at the ceremony.
The Manchester Irish band, Oasis, who were nominated in a record five categories, injected a bit of rock n roll into the ceremony when receiving the award for Best Video.
The band's guitarist, Noel Gallagher, accepting the award from INXS's Michael Hutchence, said: "Has beens shouldn't present awards to going to be's". Oasis went on to win further awards for Best Album (What's The Story, Morning Glory) and Best Group.
Speaking of the band's runaway success, Noel Gallagher told the audience: "There are only seven people in this room giving a little hope to young people in this country. Those seven are our band, our record company manager and Tony Blair". Both of Oasis's gigs at Dublin Point Depot next month are sold out.
Other award winners were Take That for Best Single (Back For Good), Paul Weller for Best Male Solo Artist, Massive Attack for Best Dance Act, Supergrass for Best Newcomer and Brian Eno for Best Producer (for his work on David Bowie's Outside album).
The International awards went to Prince for Best International Male Solo Artist, Bjork for Best International Female Solo Artist and Bon Jovi for Best International Group.
Michael Jackson received a special one off award for Special Artist of a Generation after a full scale theatrical rendition of his hit single, Earth Song, while David Bowie received the Outstanding Contribution to the British Music Industry Award.
Given the nature of the last two awards, the Brits have evidently evolved from being a stab in the back to a slap on the back affair.
