U2 collected an "Outstanding Contribution To British Music" prize last night at the Brit Awards in London. It is the first time such an accolade has ever been given to a non-British act.
The award was presented to them by the Oasis songwriter Noel Gallagher. The band thrilled the audience at the Earl's Court Centre by playing a short live set - powering their way through One, Beautiful Day, Until The End Of The World and Mysterious Ways. U2 also won the award for "Best International Act". The other Irish success on the night was Westlife, who won the award for Best Pop Act.
The other main award winners on the night were Coldplay (Best British Group and Best British Album); Eminem (Best International Male Solo Artist) and Madonna (Best International Female Solo Artist). Eminem also performed an expletive-ridden version of his song The Real Slim Shady.
U2's award crowns a very successful two weeks for U2 who earlier in the month had been awarded a "Godlike Genius" award by the influential British music magazine, NME. Last week they won three awards at the US Grammy ceremony.
In previous years, the organisers of the Brit awards have always placed U2 in the "international" category, but the chairman of the Brit's committee, Mr Tony Wadsworth, says they were given the "Outstanding Contribution To British Music" award because "the band signed their record deal in Britain and they have always been an integral part of the British music scene."
After a three-year break, U2, all now in their early 40s, returned to the top of the charts with the release of their current album, All That You Can't Leave Behind, last October. The album has gone to No 1 in over 31 countries.
Doing as well now as they have ever done in their career, the lead singer Bono says of their rejuvenation: "At first we didn't feel it was that important to get to the top of the charts, because we're a rock band not a pop band. But after such a long time away from the charts it's great to be back." Highlights of the Brit awards will be broadcast tonight on TV3.